Glory to God in the Highest

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” (Luke 2:14). You probably recognize this verse as the song the angels sang to the shepherds when Jesus was born. Yesterday, in our morning worship service, we talked about the really important part of the story of Jesus. I know most people of our culture think about the birth of Jesus during Christmas week because of the tradition that many people believe; that Jesus was born on December 25. Of course, Scripture does not tell us when Jesus was born and it never commands us to commemorate His birthday. Still, with so many people thinking that “Jesus is the Reason for the season,” we ought to take advantage of that mindset and use the opportunity to teach the really important lesson of the coming of Jesus.

Scripture does tell us that Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room at the inn (Luke 2). However, even more important than the fact that Jesus was born innocent (as all babies are born innocent, Matthew 18:3), Jesus lived a perfect life and died an innocent Man. His innocence allowed Him to become the propitiation for our sins (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2; 4:10; Hebrews 2:17). “Propitiation” means “only acceptable sacrifice.” His perfection and innocence allowed Him to become sin on our behalf. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). What all of this means is that because Jesus was born into this world, lived a perfect life and died on the cross for our sins, we have hope of eternal life.

I hope that you and your family have a wonderful holiday this week. However, I know that for many people, this is a difficult time of the year. It’s difficult for many reasons. Sometimes the end of the year is a “good” time for companies to lay off some of their workers and so some of you may have experienced losing your job. For others, Christmas was a time when a loved one passed from this life. I’m told that for a variety of reasons, the holiday season is a time when more people suffer depression and discouragement than at any other time of the year. It is for this reason that I want to share with you the hope that you can have at Christmas or New Year’s or any other day of the year.

As important as the birth of Jesus was and as glad as I am that He was born, it is far more important that He lived, died and was raised again and therein lies your hope. This is why you can rejoice this week, whether you have anyone to celebrate Christmas with or not. Jesus Christ loves you no matter what your holiday traditions are (or are not). Holidays are left up to the individual and do not matter when it comes to your spiritual well-being (Romans 14:5,6). What matters is your being on His side so that He will be on yours. You may have a heavy load to bear, but Jesus will help you bear it. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). He can help you carry it. Let Him!

If any of you are suffering right this moment; if you are dreading this week because of the pain it always brings; if there are new and specific afflictions that are assaulting you now, it is our prayer that you know that God loves you and is ready, willing and able to give you a peace that surpasses all comprehension (Philippians 4:7). Oh…before I forget…I love you, too!