Born This Day … a Savior

MEMORY VERSE: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” —Luke 2:11

LUKE 2:8-20

FOR centuries God’s inspired prophets had been prophesying the coming of a great One who would bring blessings to Israel and to the whole world. He was foretold as the “Seed” of the woman, and the “Seed” of Abraham. (Gen. 3:15; 12:3) In Genesis 49:10 he is referred to as Shiloh. Isaiah describes him as the One who would be born to be “The Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) Micah foretold that Bethlehem would be the place of his birth.—Micah 5:2

These are but a few of the prophetic references to the promised Messiah. Now the plan of God had moved forward with the announcement that the long-promised One was born. At last he had come—“Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” On that night in Bethlehem was born One who was destined to be the greatest King and Potentate the earth has ever known yet he was born in a manger.

Instead of arranging for the rulers and aristocracy of Israel to be there on such an important occasion, God had his angels make the announcement to a few humble shepherds who were watching over their flocks by night. On the other hand, Jesus is the only one of record whose birth was announced by the angels. This was an honor; and, doubtless, to Mary that barn in which she gave birth to her royal Son must have seemed like a palace, the palace of a king; for through the angel Gabriel she knew that Jesus was destined to sit upon the throne of David forever.—Luke 1:30.33

Many titles are ascribed to Jesus in the Scriptures. One of those used in the announcement of his birth is “Savior.” He had come to save his people, yea, the whole world, from their sins. Death is “the wages of sin”; hence to be saved from sin means to be saved from death. (Rom. 6:23) No wonder the angel announced the birth of Jesus as being “good tidings of great joy,” for the birth of Jesus will ultimately mean for mankind that “there shall be no more death,” no more pain, no more. tears.—Rev. 21:4

A single angel made the announcement, “and suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” The birth of Jesus was to result in peace on earth, for he was born to be The Prince of Peace. A peace which has thus far resulted from the coming of Jesus is the peace which has been established between God and the dedicated followers of the Master. This has been upon the basis of their work-demonstrated faith.—Rom. 5:1

These also have enjoyed peace of heart and mind because of their faith in the promises of God, promises which they know have been ratified by the blood of Christ. This is “the peace of God” which rules in the hearts of those who are assured of the victory of God’s cause in the earth, and who rejoice in his overruling providences in their own lives. Think of the peace which results from believing the promise that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord, and who are the called ones according to his purpose!—Rom. 8:28

The worldly church has the false notion that the Lord expects his people in the flesh to establish peace among the nations; and many wonder why more than nineteen centuries have passed since the birth of Jesus, and yet there is no lasting peace. But in a prophecy of the birth of Jesus and a reference to the spread of his government of peace, the assurance is given that “the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this,” meaning that God will accomplish his purposes in his own due time and way.—Isa. 9:6,7

The expression “good will toward men” is often misquoted to read “peace among men,” and sometimes “peace among men of good will.” But this is not the thought of the text. The birth of Jesus was an expression of God’s good will toward men in that he had sent a Savior to save them from their sins and from death. The establishment of Christ’s kingdom will be another expression of God’s good will toward men.

God’s good will toward men will ultimately mean peace among and within nations, peace in communities, peace in the home, and above all, peace with God by reason of having been reconciled to him through faith in the redeeming power of Christ’s blood, and through obedience to the laws of the messianic kingdom. Truly the birth of Jesus is meaningful both to the followers now, and to all mankind later.

QUESTIONS

In what sense was the birth of Jesus a step forward in the plan of God?

What peace do Christians enjoy today?

When will universal peace be established in the earth?

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