Friday, December 4, 2008
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.
SAVIOUR!
A Saviour! That's what the angel herald told the shepherds that first Christmas night. And though they were hardly theologians, there is little doubt that these simple workingmen knew what the heavenly messenger meant. It's a term that cuts across language and culture and eras. If there are doctors or surgeons, lifeguards or crossing guards, policemen or firemen, soldiers or sentries -- even young children know what it means to be saved -- know that a life or death situation is involved.
But it also isn't long and even children know that any life-saving action by a doctor or a fireman or a lifeguard is of a temporary nature. To be saved from death permanently, for mortals to be given everlasting life, that kind of saving will have to involve a special, one-of-a-kind type of Saviour. Indeed, that kind of saving will require "outside help" since our own sin makes it impossible for any ordinary person to save himself or herself -- or anyone else.
No wonder then, that when the Saviour -- who will ultimately set human beings free from death by securing atonement for their sin-guilt -- is born into our world, a messenger comes from the very presence of God to announce this fact.
No wonder we capitalize the word "Savior" when it refers to the deliverer from sin and death that was born of Mary on Christmas Night. No wonder some Christian congregations prefer the old English spelling of Savior that ends "-our," since it can be a ready reminder of the fact that Jesus did not lay down His life for sinners in general but for each of us personally. With believing hearts we rejoice to say, "He is our Saviour!"
Welcome, O my Saviour, now!
Hail! My Portion, Lord, art Thou.
Here, too, in my heart, I pray.
Oh, prepare Thyself a way!
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 91:4)
