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The Birth that affects everyone

The Birth that affects everyone
Luke 2:10-15.

(The message of the angel to the shepherds).

When a baby is born, people celebrate, send gifts, and travel from all over to see the baby. And it can be pretty expensive for those of us with siblings all over. Often, when we see the baby, we make physical remarks like: “Oh, she’s got a round head like her dad”, or “his eyes are like his mum’s,” or “the baby’s so cute”, or “isn’t it lovely that she sleeps a lot”.

All these remarks are not remarks of expectation. We’re not expecting anything from the baby for ourselves, let alone for everyone; that would be odd. But many years ago, a baby was born, and an angel appeared to some shepherds, informing them that this birth had implications for all people (v10). This birth affects everyone, you and me, both in this life and in the next.

What did the angel say? That the birth of Jesus brings:

  • Great joy (v10).
An overwhelming spiritual gladness that comes from God. This joy is your strength and your song, even in times of struggle (v20; Nehemiah 8:10). Great or overwhelming means it can never be exhausted. We find this great joy in Jesus now, and we will experience it in eternity (Isaiah 35:10; Jude 1:24).

  • Salvation (v11).
A rescue that sets us free from the bondage of all enemies (1:68-75), including sin, death and Satan. This salvation makes us children of God and makes God our “Abba” Dad, who is ever with us and for us. We find this salvation in Jesus now, and we will experience it in eternity (1 Peter 1:5; Rev 21:3-4).

  • Peace (v14).
Shalom [heb] or Eirēnē [grk] is not an experience due to the absence of troubles, but an experience due to the Presence of God (Numbers 6:26). A sense of wholeness, contentment and rest that comes from God. We find this peace in Jesus now, and we will experience it in eternity with all troubles extinguished (Isaiah 9:7; Rev 21:3-4)

What an amazing message! After the shepherds heard the message from the angels and saw the baby, “they spread the word… and all who heard it were amazed.” (v17-18)

Reflect & Pray
Do you know this great joy, salvation and peace that Jesus brings? Who might you share this experience with this Christmas?
Thank you, Jesus, for the great joy, salvation, peace, and so many promises we find in you, amen.

God bless you exceedingly,
Sam.

PS. Merry Christmas!
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