Jesus Christ
The Messiah Has Come
"For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11. This message today
doesn't make any claim as to December 25th, being the exact date in which Jesus
was born and laid in the manger. As the divine record fails to give this or any
other date we will decline from any particular month that He came to earth. On
the other hand we proudly proclaim that the Messiah (Christ) is come. He filled
His mission on the earth, tasted death for every man and went back to the glory
world and is now making preparation to come AGAIN to receive His people unto
Himself. (John 14:1-3) This message isn't to go beyond that which is commanded
in speaking of his birth. On the other hand we realize had there been no birth,
there could have been no death or resurrection! Today we thank God for His
birth! We are glad the Emmanuel came to earth and satisfied the demand of the
law; He took upon Himself the sin of all the world and paid the price for sin
(in our stead) on the cruel cross between two guilty thieves. The grace of God
that bringeth salvation has appeared unto all men ... (Titus 2:11) He came that
we might have life more abundantly! John 10:10) The Lord God promised a Saviour
soon after the fall of man in the garden. (Gen. 3:15) From this time we can read
in almost every book of the Old Testament where a promise was made of the coming
Messiah. The prophet Isaiah possibly made the clearest prophecy when he spoke of
the Son to be born as "the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of
Peace." (Isa. 9:6) He made mention of the virgin born child as Immanuel (Isa.
7:14) which being interpreted is "God with us". (Mat. 1:23) It is said
that the world experienced 400 silent years between the Old and New Testament.
Think about 400 years with no message from God! Then came the dawn of a new day!
John the Baptist came to bear witness of the Light! Isaiah spoke of John as
being a voice to prepare the way for our God. (Isa. 40:3) Then came the strange
salutation of the angel to the virgin Mary that she was to bear the Son and His
name would be called Jesus. (Mat.1:21 - Luke 1:26-38) His birth brought wise men
from the east saying, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?"
(Mat. 2:1-2) for we have seen his star in the east and are come to WORSHIP
Him." Notice carefully that even when Jesus was a child man had a desire to
worship Him! The shepherds on the hillside saw the glory of the Lord as angels
sang the Messiah was born! (Luke 2) The angel of the Lord assured them there was
no reason to be afraid for His birth was good tidings of great joy and would be
for all people. Then the very elements were filled with angels as they praised
God and said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men."