“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others…praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:13-14 (NLT)
The entire Old Testament pointed to the One Who would be the Supreme Sacrifice for our sins and reconcile us to God.
The Most High had visited the lowliest of His servants and spoken the promise every Jewish woman longed to hear: ‘Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings favoured woman! The Lord is with you!” “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, for you have found favour with God! You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you will name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:28, 30-31).
Jesus was born in a manger/stable, which suggests His humility. Stables were often caves with feeding troughs carved into the rock walls. This atmosphere of Jesus’ birth did not meet the expectations of the Jews. They thought that their promised Messiah would be born in royal surroundings, but we must never limit God to our expectations. He is at work whenever He is needed in our sinful and corrupted world.
The picture of Jesus as a baby in a manger must not be our last. This tiny baby grew up as normal children would. Although unique, He lived an amazing life. He developed fully and harmoniously in each of these key areas: physical, social, mental, and spiritual. All believers should strive to live a balanced life like Jesus did.
While on earth, Jesus completed His mission assigned to Him by the Father. He is now seated at the right hand of God, making intercession for us. What a wonderful Saviour! Let us rejoice! Let us acknowledge the call to remain faithful until that day when we will hear the sound of the trumpet.
John wrote: “Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne…And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth…They sang: “Blessing and honour and glory and power…Amen!…” (Revelation 5:11-14 NLT). What a sight! What a sound!
Brethren, let us aspire to be there, praising our Saviour.
Read: Matthew 1:18-25; John 19:25-27
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 149; Revelation 20; Nehemiah 9:38; Nehemiah 10; Nehemiah 11:1-21
