Jesus, our Messiah – Day 1

“Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11 (NIV)

During the festive season, people are rushing around shopping for what they need. Many will be at home playing host, as loved ones gather with them to celebrate; others will be taking their annual vacation away from home. A growing number will spend their Christmas alone, due to factors outside their control. Spare a prayer for them.

Whatever our own circumstances, joy and goodwill will be in the air, for Christians throughout the world will be celebrating the birth of Christ the Lord – and the birth of a child is always a precious time of happiness.

The birth of Jesus Christ was a long-awaited event. He was the Messiah who came to earth in human form, to establish the kingdom of heaven among God’s people.

Adam and Eve were the first to hear God promising humankind a lifeline, even as they were being punished for disobeying him. In admonishing the serpent for leading them astray, God decreed the serpent’s fate. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

Who was the offspring of the woman who would come to earth? Even though he would suffer at the hands of the devil and his henchmen, he would “crush the serpent’s head” and emerge triumphant.

Isaiah, the prophet, gives us further information concerning the identity of the offspring of the woman. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

The realisation that Mary’s son, Jesus, was Christ the Messiah is the reason Christians celebrate Christmas. He defeated the devil at Calvary and put us right with God. Many people know of Jesus, but do not accept him as the Messiah. Only when they do, will they experience the true meaning and joy of Christmas. May our Lord hasten that day.