“Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.” – Matt. 1:23

Of all the words associated with Christmas perhaps none is so telling as “Emmanuel” – “God with us”. That describes Christmas in a word. Yet that is contrary to the feelings of many troubled souls who feel as though they are all alone. While some sing “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” others feel it is the very worst. They feel that way for a variety of reasons — loss of a loved one, poor health, poverty, troubled relationship, loneliness, etc. They are miserable rather than merry. As they hear others singing “Joy to the world” it seems like a mockery of their misery. They are overwhelmed by the feeling that no one knows, cares, or is able to help. They are troubled by their trials, swallowed up with sadness, in a dark pit of depression.

You could say that is an apt description of this sinful world. But upon such a pitiful picture as that God steps on the scene and announces that “Emmanuel” is coming. He wants  us to know that we are not alone, not forgotten, and not without help. He Himself is coming, has come, to rescue us. That’s the Christmas story – God coming to man to meet his deepest needs and satisfy his greatest desires. In that one word we find the assurance of aid, the answer for afflictions, and the acknowledgement of affection. That’s the Christmas story. He came to us, to give Himself for us, to be with us.

“…great joy...” – Luke 2:10

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, 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

The amount of truth packed in so few words as we see here is amazing. It is a treasure trove of truth, but not just any truth. The subject matter makes this of the greatest importance, which should make it of great interest. What we read is —

— True. He calls it “good tidings”, but it wouldn’t be good if it wasn’t true.
— Tremendous. Something can be true yet not tremendous, but what we see here is both. It is tremendous because it speaks of God’s greatest gift for man’s greatest need.
— Trustworthy. This good news, delivered by an angel, comes from God who cannot lie. As Paul said, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”.(1 Tim. 1:15)
— Transcendent. Of all the messages ever, this stands head and shoulders above them all. It is of greater importance than any other.
— Triumphant. This is news you can use. It is the power of God unto salvation. This plain simple message can do what nothing else can do. “Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him” (Heb. 7:25)

— Thrilling. This news brings “great joy”. “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:” – 1 Pet. 1:8
— Timeless. Here is the message needed in every generation, by every person. It is good news “to all people“. That phrase was sure to get the attention of everyone in that day. Most Jews did not think of the Gentiles being accepted by God. Put yourself in shoes of a Gentile who has been discounted, disrespected, and despised all your life, and then imagine hearing this message from heaven. That would be a “Wow!” moment. It was good tidings in deed – it still is!

And this is still good news today! Whoever you are or whatever you’ve done, Christ has made a way for you to be accepted by God. He loves the world and would save the world, if they would all come to Him through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sadly most people reject God’s invitation and perish. The question is, What will you do? – HDS
 
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346

” And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.” Luke 2:17 ( read vs. 15-20)

After describing the people to whom the angel appeared and the purpose of his announcement, Luke tells us what it produced. When God speaks He expects a response. Here we see how the shepherds responded.

First we see their wisdom (vs. 15-16). They pursued the revelation they received. They said, “Let us now go” (vs 15) and “they came with haste” (vs. 16). There was no hesitation. No one was dragging their feet or making excuses. That’s the way it should be. When God speaks we ought to respond immediately, willfully, fully, and cheerfully. Not doing so is foolish and dangerous. When we hold out on God we deprive others of what they need most and ourselves of the blessings we could have had – we limit what He wants to do in our lives.

Second we see their witness (vs. 17-18). They published the report they received. Overwhelmed by such glorious news they couldn’t constrain themselves. They proclaimed the message to others without delay. That’s as it should be. Can you imagine them making such a great discovery and then going about business as usual? That should never happen. We ought to do as they did. There is no more pressing need in the world than the proclamation of the gospel. It is what everyone needs, and it is where we have been sent – “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15).