Merry Christmas

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
(Luke 2:4-7, ESV)

With such simple prose we are introduced to Jesus - God, who became man, so that He could bring the world back into relationship with him, saving us all.

Being human was the ultimate act of humbleness for God - can you imagine seeing the throne of heaven and the glory of God and choosing to leave that to experience all that there is to human life... beginning in the womb of his mother - how humbling... how confining... what a sacrifice.

But there would be more to come...

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
                    “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
(Luke 2:8-14, ESV)

The angels knew the reason for the birth of this child.  The angels had been there when Adam and Eve disobeyed and began the cycle of sin which has wreaked havoc on the world ever since.  The angels would have seen the pain on the creators face, they had witnessed the continued history of man, as it turned from God again and again.  Then this night they saw God come to earth, to right the wrong, to bring peace to those who will have faith... and they can't contain themselves, they praise his name and shepherds witness this so they explain what is going on.  The Christ is here - a Saviour who will conquer sin and death.

This Christmas let's remember that... The Christ is here!  We know what he did to save us, so let's allow our own joy and thankfulness and praise to overflow just like the angels did on that night.  Let's praise His name forever!