Sunday, December 30, 2018
Matthew 1:18a This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: . . .
FROM HEAVEN ABOVE TO EARTH I COME (3-4)
3. Who is this Child who can bring such joy to everyone? He must be someone of tremendous importance and ability. Are we talking about a world leader? A president or prime minister? A great scientist or musician? Better than all that. More capable than any of them. We are talking about God's own chosen One.
"This is the Christ, our God and Lord, Who in all need shall aid afford."
So what kind of help should we expect from this Child, O messenger? Tell me, angel, just what is it that He will do for me?
"He will Himself your Savior be from all your sins to set you free."
Do I need that? What about financial gain? Or healing from sickness? Or getting rid of my depression? Or world peace? Can't He do any of that instead? But this is a heavenly angel bringing this good news, so it must be right. My sin is the problem that is greater than all other problems. Other issues pale in comparison. I need to understand that. My failure to live up to the commandments cannot be excused and it deserves judgment and eternal death. It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Heb 10:31). Now we have the Christ who sets us free!
4. This Child gives us the gift of escape from our sin. He lives as one of us and dies as one of us, even so far as death on a cross, where He accepts the full judgment against our evil. The third day He rises from that death to declare us free, so that through Him we have access to heaven, to a new life. On account of this Child, you will join with the angels in glory everlasting.
"He will on you the gifts bestow Prepared by God for all below,
That in His kingdom, bright and fair, You may with us His glory share."
