Lord’s Day, Vol. 6 No. 50

Sharing the Joy of the Saviour’s Birth

 In the frenzy of parties and shopping in this month of December, let us not forget this is the time when we remember our Saviour’s birth. Christmas is the highest point of human history because it marks the fulfilment of God’s plan to save mankind from the curse of sin that is not only physical death but also eternal judgment in the lake of fire.

At Christmas, we remember the birth of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ. He, alone, can save us from our sins. This is the good news that the angels announced to the humble shepherds tending their sheep in the field in Bethlehem that night. This was the joy that was announced to the world.

“Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11).

We rekindle this great joy of our Saviour birth that it may warm and strengthen our hearts to share this good news as the shepherds did to a dying world, albeit in merriment.

The angels told the shepherds in the field that the Son of God, the Saviour of all mankind, was the baby that they shall find lying in a manger in Bethlehem. Not in the inn but in the stable for the horses. The manger is a feed trough for the horses. In the stable, there were not the comforts of the inn. No heater, no warmth. A harsh environment in the cold night. This is the sign, the angels told the shepherd by which will identify the Saviour of all people.

“And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.” (Luke 12:12).

Knowing Him personally will bring us the fullness of Christmas joy.

Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Romans 5:10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

 Romans 5:11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

This Child was born for a death mission. The mission to live a perfect life without sin and to suffer and die the death that sinful, fallen man may be reconciled to the living God. Jesus rose from the dead three days after He died victorious over sin and death.

This is the joy of reconciliation, the joy of salvation through God’s grace or unmerited favour to those who deserve God’s judgment for their sins.

He will not be found in the palace of Herod though He is the King of the universe, Creator of heaven and earth, Sustainer of all life. But He will have a lowly birth, a humble birth. This is the Saviour!

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it isthe gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

We cannot know God’s peace till His grace is first appropriated when we repent of our sins and come to the Saviour. Peace describes the inner well-being of the heart that comes from being reconciled to God through what He provided in Christ, this babe wrapped in swaddling lying in the manger is the Saviour that grants this peace. And with it, joy!

Have you fully trusted in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour? Have you fully surrendered your life to Him? If you have, God’s joy abides with you. In this Christmas season, let us share this blessing of the Saviour’s birth to loved ones and friends who do not know Him.

May the Lord use you to be His faithful witness this Christmas. Amen.

Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee