When Mary visited Elizabeth who was now about six months pregnant with John the Baptist, and told her what the Angel had said about the coming birth of her (Mary’s) son, the baby John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb for joy, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:41).  Elizabeth then said to her, “Blessed is she who believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord” (Luke 1:45).  There truly was a performance of those things, for within a very short time, Mary brought forth her Firstborn Son (Luke 2:7).

Shortly after the birth of Christ, an Angel appeared to shepherds in a field who were keeping watch over their flocks by night.  This 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, Who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10).  Then suddenly, a multitude of Angels appeared with the first Angel praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:13).  First, all glory must go to God for His wonderful salvation plan.  As well, peace on Earth can only reign as long as the Prince of Peace is present.  History records that during the time of the Life of Christ, the Roman Empire was at peace all over the world.  The great war gates of Janus, the Roman war god were closed shut during the 33-1/2 years of Jesus Life on Earth.  There was no need for them to be open when the world was at peace.  Shortly after the death of Christ, the Roman Empire was again at war.  Rome’s conquering armies would devastate the city of Jerusalem some 40 years later.  When Jesus returns the Second time to set up His Kingdom on Earth there will be peace over the whole world like man has never known before.  Isaiah himself said, referring to Christ’s coming Kingdom that, “He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more” (Isaiah 2:4). Lastly, God’s good will toward men was consummated in the Loving Act of fulfilling His Promise of Salvation by sending His Dear Son into this world to become a Man Who would die in our place.

This dear reader, is the true meaning of Christmas.  It is the Promise of God fulfilled to send the One Who would redeem us from our sins.  The name Jesus means “Savior”.  Jesus was sent into the world by God, to become one of us, so that He could take our place and provide the necessary Sacrifice to put away our sin forever.  John with sublime words said it so well: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have Everlasting Life” (John 3:16).  This is the greatest and most valuable Gift ever given, and the most desirable and  important Gift one could ever receive. The only requirement is to believe in Christ and fully accept what He did for you. Then this Gift will belong to you forever.

At this time of year, let us always keep foremost in our hearts and minds:

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