Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: 11 Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
Merry Christmas everybody! I love the words of the angel here, "good news of great joy for all people". Why? A Savior was born for YOU! And what has that meant for believers throughout the ages? Deliverance from trials, forgiveness for sins, hope for the future here and greater hope for a future beyond.
For many each Christmas season, it may be a difficult time due to grief, illness or other situation that can easily rob us of the joy in the season, in celebrating Jesus. They can take us captive, create gloom and remove joy. Hymn writers through the years have realized this, but it didn't keep them from celebrating while looking forward to His return for ultimate deliverance. While we wait for this, those who trust in Him can take solace in the fact that we know that He is born for YOU, that He is with You, and He is in You.
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death's dark shadows put to flight.
O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
May Jesus remove the "dark shadows", the fears that some may feel this Christmas and bring joy, peace, hope and love. May we strive to be instruments in seeing that it is accomplished, knowing that "a Savior was born for you".
In Christ,
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Luke 2:8-12
The Message (MSG)
An Event for Everyone
8-12 There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
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