Behold The Savior
A Christmas Eve Reflection
As we gather on this holy night, let us pause to contemplate the profound miracle of Christmas - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. While the story of the nativity is familiar to many, viewing it from the perspective of the angels offers fresh insights into this world-changing event.
But while the world slept unaware, heaven was bursting with excitement. In the fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds keeping watch over their flocks suddenly found themselves bathed in heavenly light as an angel appeared before them. These shepherds, often considered social outcasts and viewed as unclean, became the first to hear the glorious announcement.
Suddenly, the sky erupted with praise as a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, glorifying God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Try to picture this awe-inspiring scene - thousands upon thousands of angels filling the night sky with light and song, praising God for the gift of His Son to humanity.
This heavenly response reminds us of the cosmic significance of Christ's birth. As the book of Hebrews tells us, angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation." On this night, they couldn't contain their joy at seeing God's plan of redemption set in motion.
The shepherds' response is equally instructive. Without hesitation, they said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." Their immediate belief and action stand in stark contrast to the religious leaders of Jesus' day, who despite their knowledge of Scripture, failed to recognize the Messiah when He appeared.
There's a lesson here for all of us. How often do we hear the good news of Christ but fail to act on it? The shepherds didn't just receive the message; they went to confirm it for themselves and then spread the word to others. Their example challenges us to not only believe but to actively seek out Christ and share His love with those around us.
As we reflect on the nativity story, several profound truths emerge:
As we celebrate Christmas, let us not lose sight of its true meaning amidst the festivities. The baby in the manger is none other than the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one John the Baptist would later proclaim, saying, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)
This Christmas, we're invited to "behold the Savior" - to gaze upon Him with wonder, to receive Him by faith, and to let His love transform our lives. For those who already know Christ, may this season deepen your appreciation for the incredible gift of salvation. And for those who have yet to experience His love, know that the invitation still stands. Just as there was room in a humble stable for the Christ child, there's room in His heart for you.
The message of Christmas is one of hope, peace, and reconciliation with God. As the angels declared, there is now "peace on earth" available to all who receive Christ. This peace isn't just an absence of conflict, but a deep, abiding sense of wholeness and right relationship with God.
As we close, let's take a moment to reflect. Have you truly beheld the Savior? Have you allowed the wonder of His birth, life, death, and resurrection to penetrate your heart? If not, why not make this Christmas the time when you open your heart to Him?
For in the end, the greatest gift we can receive isn't found under a tree, but in a person - Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. May we all, like the shepherds of old, seek Him out, worship Him, and share the good news of His love with others. This Christmas and always, let us behold the Savior.
Merry Christmas to all!
Pastor Mark Bofill
As we gather on this holy night, let us pause to contemplate the profound miracle of Christmas - the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. While the story of the nativity is familiar to many, viewing it from the perspective of the angels offers fresh insights into this world-changing event.
The scene opens in Bethlehem, where Mary and Joseph have journeyed for the census. After days of waiting, the time comes for Mary to give birth. In humble surroundings, with no room at the inn, the King of Kings enters the world as a helpless babe, laid in a manger - a feeding trough for animals. This lowly beginning speaks volumes about the nature of our God, who willingly set aside His glory to identify with humanity at its most vulnerable.
But while the world slept unaware, heaven was bursting with excitement. In the fields outside Bethlehem, shepherds keeping watch over their flocks suddenly found themselves bathed in heavenly light as an angel appeared before them. These shepherds, often considered social outcasts and viewed as unclean, became the first to hear the glorious announcement.
"Do not be afraid," the angel proclaimed, "for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
The Greek word used here for "good tidings" is euangelizo - the same root from which we get "evangelize" and "gospel." On that night, these humble shepherds became the first recipients of the gospel message. It's a powerful reminder that God's love and grace extend to all, regardless of social standing or perceived worthiness. No one is beyond the reach of His love.
As a sign, the angel told the shepherds they would find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. This unusual detail - a newborn in an animal's feeding trough - would confirm the miraculous nature of what they were about to witness.
Suddenly, the sky erupted with praise as a multitude of the heavenly host appeared, glorifying God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" Try to picture this awe-inspiring scene - thousands upon thousands of angels filling the night sky with light and song, praising God for the gift of His Son to humanity.
This heavenly response reminds us of the cosmic significance of Christ's birth. As the book of Hebrews tells us, angels are "ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation." On this night, they couldn't contain their joy at seeing God's plan of redemption set in motion.
The shepherds' response is equally instructive. Without hesitation, they said to one another, "Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us." Their immediate belief and action stand in stark contrast to the religious leaders of Jesus' day, who despite their knowledge of Scripture, failed to recognize the Messiah when He appeared.
There's a lesson here for all of us. How often do we hear the good news of Christ but fail to act on it? The shepherds didn't just receive the message; they went to confirm it for themselves and then spread the word to others. Their example challenges us to not only believe but to actively seek out Christ and share His love with those around us.
As we reflect on the nativity story, several profound truths emerge:
- God's ways are not our ways. He chose to reveal the birth of the Savior first to lowly shepherds, not to the powerful or elite. This speaks to His heart for the humble and reminds us that no one is insignificant in His eyes.
- The incarnation is a testament to God's love. That the eternal, all-powerful Creator would become a vulnerable infant for our sake is almost beyond comprehension. As Philippians 2:7 tells us, Christ "made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."
- Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah. His birth fulfills numerous Old Testament prophecies, including Isaiah 9:6: "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
- Salvation is available to all who believe. The angels proclaimed "good tidings of great joy which will be to all people." Christ came not just for a select few, but to offer redemption to everyone who puts their faith in Him.
- Our proper response to Christ is worship. Like the angels who burst into praise and the shepherds who glorified God after seeing Jesus, we too should respond to the reality of Christ with adoration and thanksgiving.
As we celebrate Christmas, let us not lose sight of its true meaning amidst the festivities. The baby in the manger is none other than the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. He is the one John the Baptist would later proclaim, saying, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29)
This Christmas, we're invited to "behold the Savior" - to gaze upon Him with wonder, to receive Him by faith, and to let His love transform our lives. For those who already know Christ, may this season deepen your appreciation for the incredible gift of salvation. And for those who have yet to experience His love, know that the invitation still stands. Just as there was room in a humble stable for the Christ child, there's room in His heart for you.
The message of Christmas is one of hope, peace, and reconciliation with God. As the angels declared, there is now "peace on earth" available to all who receive Christ. This peace isn't just an absence of conflict, but a deep, abiding sense of wholeness and right relationship with God.
As we close, let's take a moment to reflect. Have you truly beheld the Savior? Have you allowed the wonder of His birth, life, death, and resurrection to penetrate your heart? If not, why not make this Christmas the time when you open your heart to Him?
For in the end, the greatest gift we can receive isn't found under a tree, but in a person - Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. May we all, like the shepherds of old, seek Him out, worship Him, and share the good news of His love with others. This Christmas and always, let us behold the Savior.
Merry Christmas to all!
Pastor Mark Bofill
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