In these verses, the apostle Paul lays out several things about the good news of the Gospel. They are:

1. The Key to Salvation

The way of forgiveness and salvation is through faith in Christ and what He did to save us. He died on the Cross to become our Substitute. The phrase “shall not be ashamed” means that those who believe on Christ for salvation will not be sorry or disappointed that they did.

2. The Benefactors of the Gospel

Paul – a Jew – brought the message of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection primarily to the Gentiles (non-Jews). He pointed out that – to God – one group of people is no different than others to God because both groups need to be saved.

3. Christ Blesses All Who Come

The above verse says that Christ (“Lord over all“) “is rich unto all that call upon him.” It means He does not bless one group more than another. Every individual has equal opportunity to be saved through faith in Christ. He will also give the same blessings to all who come: salvation and sonship, access to God, answers to prayer, provision, etc.

4. Salvation Available Through Calling on Him

It is a common misconception that people think they must work for salvation. The above verses use the word “call” twice. Putting it in simple terms – it means all you need to do for salvation is to acknowledge your need to be saved, believe that He can and will save you when you “call,” and then ask Him (“call”) for salvation.

During Paul’s ministry, this was his message. Many were saved from spiritual darkness and sin, and brought into the glorious light of salvation through Christ. The good news is that you can be saved the exact same way.

Have you ever called on Him to save you? Why not do it right now?

Although commonly seen in most manger scenes, according to the Bible, the wise men were never at the manger where the baby Jesus lay. Instead, they came about two years later when Jesus was called “a young child” and was living in “a house.”

Another popular misconception is that there were three wise men – usually based on the three gifts the Bible mentions – “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh” (Mt. 2:11). It is quite possible that many – or each of the wise men – offered gold, because it was always welcome. Besides, what better gift could you give a king?

It seems that these wise men – and they are rightly so-called – may have known more about Christ than they are thought to know. It is doubtful that they were Jews, and they had likely come from a considerable distance. No town or country is mentioned – but somehow they knew of the coming of the Savior.

It is possible they learned of Christ from the many Jews that stayed behind in Babylon when they were freed to go back to Israel. Some of those that stayed behind were no doubt instructors of the Bible to those that would listen; but after Babylon was destroyed – they were scattered far and wide.

The three gifts that were offered to Jesus were “gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” Whether or not the wise men knew of their application to Jesus is uncertain, but they are significant and worthy of note. Bible scholars believe that the gold possibly represented Christ’s Kingship; He is the King of kings. Frankincense is known for its very pleasant fragrance and speaks of Christ’s fragrance of life and His current ministry of intercession.

Myrrh is mentioned three times in the Gospels and each time it is a reference to death. When on the Cross, Christ was offered vinegar (also called “wine” in some places) with myrrh. Myrrh is a bitter tasting spice, and is called “gall” in Mt. 27:34. The other reference to myrrh in the New Testament is when Christ was to be buried: Nicodemus brought “myrrh and aloes” to wrap in the cloths to prepare Christ’s body for burial.

All three of these gifts sum up several characteristics of the Lord Jesus. Although He certainly was a King (Pilate put it on a sign above Christ’s Head), and His life was constantly very fragrant to men and God because He was always doing good, yet Christ’s life cannot be separated from the myrrh – the bitterness of death. Thank God, though, that He rose again!

Christ left the glories of Heaven and He came to die for you and me. His death has benefited millions in the 2,000 years since His death. Many today know Him personally as their Lord and Savior. Will you receive the benefit of His death and resurrection by calling on Him today to save you? He is waiting for your call: “Behold, I stand at the door” (of your heart) “and knock.” Will you answer the door today? He is the greatest Gift anyone could ever have this Christmas season!

Right after Jesus was born, angelic messengers were sent to make the first announcement of His birth to lowly shepherds out in the field. Shepherds were among the poorest people – and considered to be some of the lowest people on the rungs of society. They were often dirty, most likely did not smell very good, and were uneducated.

In spite of their clothes and rank in Jewish society, they were the first to hear the long awaited glad tidings of the heavenly messengers. The fact that God chose to make such an important announcement to seemingly insignificant shepherds sends a strong message to all. Their position in society did not matter and they would shortly be stepping into the presence of the King of kings.

These shepherds feared God and had a healthy respect for Him. When they saw the angel they were “sore afraid.” Because of this, the single angel’s first words were “Fear not.”

His glad tidings brought the announcement that the long awaited King had come – 700 years after Isaiah’s prophecy. The angel knew very well Who this Child was, and he called Him the Savior – and “Christ the Lord.”

The place where Christ lay – “lying in a manger“ – was a place that would likely make the shepherds feel right at home. Immediately after saying this, “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God,” appeared and gave praise to God.

Upon hearing the news, it thrilled their hearts that God was inviting them to see the One Who would one day rule over Israel – forever. It had been over 400 years since the last message was heard from Heaven – and to think – it was sent to lowly shepherds! After they saw the Babe in the manger, they went and spread the news to everyone that they could.

The message behind this event is that Christ did not come just to call the rich or famous. He did not even come to call the religious people. He also did not care whether they were dressed well, were educated, or had a good reputation. To “Christ the Lord,” it did not matter if they were looking like shepherds who often slept in the fields watching sheep.

Because “Christ the Lord” is much more than just a Babe in a manger, it is important to remember that He came to die for our sins. As the Savior, He desires that people come to Him as they are – with their sin. He is not interested in people getting polished in their own righteousness and changing their sinful habits first. He is the Healer of souls, and as such He once said: “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17).

The Lord Jesus Christ invites all people to come to Him and be freed from sin, from the guilt of sin, and from the penalty of sin. It is a complete salvation. All anyone needs to do – no matter who they are or what they have done – is to call on the Lord Jesus Christ, tell Him that you need Him to become your only Savior and tell Him you want to serve Him – not yourself (“repentance”). Salvation is God’s Christmas present to mankind – but you must personally receive it.