8 In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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 in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:8 – 11
There is a question that everyone has to answer…
The Great Question
With the Christmas season being fully upon us, it is time to once again take a moment to contemplate the real story behind the holiday. This incredible story centers upon a unique child born in the midst of unique circumstances. Beyond being merely the stuff of legends or fairy tales, this story is one that people have lived and died for. This story significantly altered the course of history. These facts alone cause us to ask the great question, “Who is this Child in the story?” We have to look no further than the Scriptures to find the answers.
According to the Scriptures…
The Child in the story is…
The One conceived by the Holy Spirit.
But after he (Joseph, the fiance of the Child’s mother) had considered these things, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20 (parenthesis added)
The One who saves us from our sins.
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
The One born of a virgin.
“See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel…” Matthew 1:23a
God with us.
“See, the virgin will become pregnant
and give birth to a son,
and they will name him Immanuel,which is translated “God is with us.” Matthew 1:23b
King over a never ending Kingdom.
31 “Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” Luke 1:31 – 33
The Son of God.
The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Luke 1:35
The long awaited Messiah
“Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11
The One bringing peace to men.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to people he favors!” Luke 2:14
The King of the Jews.
1After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1 – 2
No Middle Ground
Who we declare this Child to be makes all the difference in the world. There is no middle ground. We cannot simply be indifferent to this Child’s identity. He is either a child like any other, or He is the appointed King of God’s Kingdom. To simply dismiss Him out of hand is a fatal error. To fall before Him in adoring faith and worship is to find life eternal. Those who embrace this Child as God’s one true King and Savior are those who will find themselves forever living in the Reign.
M
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Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.
Living in the Reign 