In Luke 2:1-7, The birth of Christ is recorded. And then in verses 8 through 12, it says this:
“And shepherds were living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”
The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds that day would forever change history. For the words of the angel confirmed the prophecies of Isaiah, fulfilling the promise of God’s sign in the arrival of Immanuel.
The birth of Christ is the greatest news we could be given because it is a standing invitation to experience the love of God. One of the most quoted verses of the Bible says that “for God so loved the world that He gave us His Son, that whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Being fully man and fully God, Jesus, our Messiah, Immanuel, God with us, was sent from the Father to be among us, so that He might save us and provide for us eternal life with God. For in the truth of Jesus' birth lies the fulfillment of God’s promise to be with us and go before us. It is in this confirmation we can trust that what is even now still undone will one day be made complete in the return of Christ. What joy this can bring to even the weariest of souls.
The foundation of the Christmastime celebration is anchored in the good news of Christ’s birth. So the question is this: is Christ’s birth good news for us today? If so, how do we respond to this gift of all-surpassing love? A love that sees us, values us, and gave its very own life for us?
Photo credit: ©Getty Images/jchizhe