Picture yourself among the shepherds on that first Christmas night. See the darkness, feel the cool night air, and imagine the smell of the sheep—Suddenly, the heavens burst open with the most extraordinary news. What would it have felt like?
In this month’s letter, Dr. Stanley shows us how the revelation of Jesus’ birth demonstrates the personal impact of our Lord’s love.
When an angel suddenly appeared to some shepherds on the first Christmas night, they were terrified. But the angel brought a wonderful message:
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11; emphasis added).
Believers are blessed beyond measure because we understand through personal experience why the message was one of “great joy.” But how many people today have no notion of this joy?
It’s not necessary to know everything about God to come to faith. In fact, our finite minds will never reach total knowledge of Him (though the goal is to keep learning and growing).
When I was saved at the age of 12, I didn’t understand very much about Jesus, but I didn’t have to, because I knew I was a sinner in need of forgiveness. I understood that Jesus died for my sins and that if I believed in Him and confessed Him as Lord, and yielded myself to Him, He would save me. And He did!
As the angel announced the birth to the shepherds in the field, he used three titles for Jesus, and these words indicate characteristics of His that are essential for our faith: Savior, Christ, and Lord. What do these important words actually mean?
Jesus is called Savior because He came to rescue us from the penalty of our sins, which is condemnation and eternal punishment.
God the Father chose to save us from this hopeless condition by sending His only begotten Son to earth to be born of a virgin. Jesus lived a sinless life and offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins by dying on the cross.
God “rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Col. 1:13-14). So Jesus truly is our Savior.
Jesus is also the Christ, which means the anointed one or Messiah.
God promised to send Israel a Messiah who would be their deliverer and king. This was announced to Mary by an angel:
“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 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; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
This baby was destined to become the King of kings.
The term Lord emphasizes Jesus’ deity.
He confirmed His equality with God the Father, saying, “If you knew Me, you would know My Father also,” and “I and the Father are one” (John 8:19; John 10:30).
The acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord is a requirement for salvation. “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Rom. 10:9).
So, do we understand everything about God? Of course not. But these three names, Savior, Christ, and Lord, tell us what we need to know, just as they told the shepherds in the field exactly who had just been born.
When I received Jesus as Savior, Christ, and Lord, I began a journey of knowing God and understanding Him as a loving Father who has envisioned an incredible life of peace, provision, and joy for me. I rejoice if the same is true for you.
Christmas is a time to praise and thank God for our salvation. He has lovingly communicated His truth to us and instructed us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation” (Mark 16:15).
I hope you’ll pray for opportunities this season to share the good news, so all who want God’s forgiveness can find it in the only place it’s available: with Jesus.
We’re so grateful for these vital reminders from Dr. Stanley. What happened in the fields outside Bethlehem that first Christmas night remains as much a revelation to us today as it was then: God’s love has come to us, abides with us, saves us.
Whatever this year has meant to you, and whatever you’re walking through, remember that Jesus is and will always be with you and for you.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His glory,
Your friends at In Touch Ministries
P.S. The entire staff at In Touch Ministries sends you and your loved ones our warmest Christmas wishes! We pray this season will contain many moments of great joy, and the continuing revelation of Jesus as you walk with Him—praising, thanking, and loving Him. We’re right there with you.