For You, a Savior.

In the first chapter of Luke's gospel, in verses 8-11, we read the following words regarding the announcement of the birth of Jesus. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “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."

For good reason, this was a grand and glorious announcement that was accompanied by "the glory of the Lord" shining about. We are not given an exact number of the persons who first heard these wondrous words; only that the angelic proclamation was made to "some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night." The significance of the announcement was not found in the number of persons that it was made to, but in the content of the announcement itself and the number of persons that needed a savior. The Savior of men had been born! Oh, how great was our need of a savior. 

In Matthew 1:21 we read that our Savior's name would be Jesus and that He would "save His people from their sins." The multitude of our sins is staggering to consider. Surely, using the descriptive words found elsewhere in scripture, our sins are greater in number than the sands of the seashores! It is difficult for me to find the words that are sufficient to fully describe how desperate our need of a savior was.

As I consider the great news of our Savior's birth, I can't help but recall the many stories that have been in the news this past year that proclaim the depravity of men and his desperate need of a savior. I know that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" but there are certain sinful acts that men commit that seem to affirm the truth of total depravity. Fathers and mothers murdering their children. Children abducted from their homes and murdered by strangers. Earlier this month the body of a 7 year old girl was found in a dumpster where her killer had left her. As most of us know, these are just a few of the many stories one could find if he chose to look for them all. And these are only but a small number of the countless acts of depravity amongst men that are fueled by sin. Our hearts should break that these horrific stories have become all to common, so much so that their shock is waning. Yes indeed, out of great necessity and the love of God, a Savior has been born for us.

Sin's impact on humanity rejects the notion of boundaries and you can not find a place where it is not present and wrecking havoc. Following my pastor's recent return from ministering in Uganda, I was considering this sober truth. In so many ways, life for the people in a small village in Uganda is so drastically different than life for those who live here in America. Some of these differences are stark. But sin is a different matter. Sin is very much present no matter where one may find themselves dwelling upon this earth. Sin is present in New York City (New York), Astoria (Oregon), Kampala (Uganda) or Muge Village (Uganda).  For all who dwell in these different places around the world, no matter what their differences may be, we rejoice in knowing that a Savior was born for us on that first Christmas day.

What a privilege it is to know the Savior. To know His name. To be forgiven of one's sin. On this Christmas day I would ask that you to pray for those who know not the Lord Jesus. And praise God that the Holy Spirit continues His ministry in the world. Join with me in praising God on this Christmas day, knowing that in different locations around the world, the Spirit will reveal the truth of Jesus to men, women and children. All of which are in need of a Savior. Praise the Lord.