During the Christmas season, many decorations and celebrations will take place all over the globe. Celebrations on earth was not the only place they occurred – even the heavenly angels rejoiced and sang: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
When Jesus Christ was born, the world had many misconceptions of the nature of God – and they still persist. Various religions taught various views about God: some had gods that were harsh and cruel, or vengeful, or warlike, or even indifferent. Some had a God that was very legalistic – but very few understood that God loved man and wanted to fellowship with him.
God wanted people to see Him for Who He really is – and He sent Jesus as a Gift to show us what God is like. After living among us for 33 years, He would fulfill His purpose when He died on the Cross to show us God’s ultimate love for the people of the world in all ages. This was declared in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
It is worthy of note to see what various people and angels said about the One in the manger (before and after the event):
- Elizabeth said: “And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” (Luke 1:43).
- The angel told Mary before her conception: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” The angel also told her in verse 35: “The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God“ (Luke 1:31-33).
- The angel told the shepherds, in Luke 2:10-12: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ”
- Notice what Zecharias prophesied about his son John the Baptist, in Luke 1:76-78: “And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins.”
- Simeon, who had looked for the Messiah all his long life, said to Mary and Joseph in the Temple when he saw them: “For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel” (Luke 2:30-32).
- The angel told Joseph in a dream, in Matthew 1:20-21: “Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
- Also, note Who the Bible says this special Son of Mary really is, in Matthew 1:23 (which is a repeat of Isaiah 7:14): “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
- Note also what God told the angels about the One in the cradle: “when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him“ (Hebrews 1:6).
Christmas is certainly a time of rejoicing because of what God has done for us. It is especially so for those who already know Him personally as their Savior. They can rejoice that Heaven will be their Home for sure; now that is something to get excited about!
Is He your Savior today? I hope and pray that He is – or will be today. Follow the link to learn more about Christ and salvation.