Luke 2:1-20

The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! (Lk 2:11)

He is here!!! It was a long anticipation waiting for his arrival. Joshua’s birth was the culmination of months of waiting, longing, planning, and praying. Brenda was in labor for hours and finally the moment came when I held my first born, my son. I cannot tell you the joy that filled our hearts. I began immediately to dream of all he could be and all he might accomplish. But for me, this was all speculation, fanciful wishing, and hope-filled anticipation. These were unrealized dreams welling up in the hearts of human parents. I could not imagine what he might actually become, who he might choose to be.

Jesus was the product of dual parentage. He had human parents who undoubtedly went through the same uncertainty we did when he was born. He also had a Heavenly Father who did not have to guess who Jesus would become. Thankfully for the sake of all, who Jesus was to become was announced with stunning clarity and joy-filled certainty. He is the Savior! He is the Messiah! He is the one the prophets said would arrive, “Tell the people of Israel, ‘Look, your savior is coming…’” (Isaiah 62:11a). Jesus’ arrival was heralded by angels who said that his birth would bring “…peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Jesus’ human parents couldn’t see the whole story, but the Father revealed who this beautiful new baby boy laying in a manger would become removing any hint of uncertainty. At last God’s redemption has been born!

Rejoice today and be glad…HE IS HERE! The Savior has been born and we have a hope that brings certainty to us. He is the Messiah. He is the bringer of peace between God and humanity. Merry Christmas, Trinity…Emmanuel, God with us, has arrived!