“You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you will name Him Jesus . . .The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David.”
Luke 1:31-32
Well, you made it! It’s Christmas Day and chances are the fun is just beginning.
What do you consider to be a good representation of Christmas? The potbellied Santa Claus? The nativity scene complete with shepherds, hay-filled manger, and donkeys? The iconic Christmas tree? For Luke, Christmas was best represented by a cradle, a cross, and a crown.
A cradle. The angel Gabriel told a confused young virgin that she “would conceive and give birth to a son.” (Luke 1:31) This supernaturally conceived baby would be Mary’s own flesh and blood. Imagine, the all-powerful Creator in a cradle as a helpless infant, a real baby with a belly button! Mary’s boy child is the human son of Mary and the divine Son of God! (Luke 1:32,35)
A cross. “You will name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) Jesus, the Greek means “the Lord saves” or simply “Savior.” The angel reiterated Jesus’ name in an appearance to Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, and spoke of His mission: “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Jesus became our Savior “when He was hung on the cross.” (Galatians 3:13)
A crown. “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David.” (Luke 1:32) Some 1,000 years before, God had promised that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. This baby would be born King of the Jews. “And He will reign forever; His Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:33)
Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes will be familiar sights today. But Jesus is the One we must seek and celebrate. Let’s bow before the Son of God in the cradle, the Savior on the cross, and the King on the throne.
Thought of the Day: Just sit back and watch. The fun is about to happen. While it may have little to do with the real reason we have Christmas, enjoy your day and enjoy your family. Periodically, however, take a glance at the nativity scene in your home, and thank God for the cradle, for the cross, and for the crown.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
December 25 , 2018
Dr. Joe Pettigrew
Luke 1:31-32
Well, you made it! It’s Christmas Day and chances are the fun is just beginning.
What do you consider to be a good representation of Christmas? The potbellied Santa Claus? The nativity scene complete with shepherds, hay-filled manger, and donkeys? The iconic Christmas tree? For Luke, Christmas was best represented by a cradle, a cross, and a crown.
A cradle. The angel Gabriel told a confused young virgin that she “would conceive and give birth to a son.” (Luke 1:31) This supernaturally conceived baby would be Mary’s own flesh and blood. Imagine, the all-powerful Creator in a cradle as a helpless infant, a real baby with a belly button! Mary’s boy child is the human son of Mary and the divine Son of God! (Luke 1:32,35)
A cross. “You will name Him Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) Jesus, the Greek means “the Lord saves” or simply “Savior.” The angel reiterated Jesus’ name in an appearance to Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, and spoke of His mission: “You are to name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21) Jesus became our Savior “when He was hung on the cross.” (Galatians 3:13)
A crown. “The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David.” (Luke 1:32) Some 1,000 years before, God had promised that one of David’s own descendants would sit on his throne. This baby would be born King of the Jews. “And He will reign forever; His Kingdom will never end!” (Luke 1:33)
Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and nativity scenes will be familiar sights today. But Jesus is the One we must seek and celebrate. Let’s bow before the Son of God in the cradle, the Savior on the cross, and the King on the throne.
Thought of the Day: Just sit back and watch. The fun is about to happen. While it may have little to do with the real reason we have Christmas, enjoy your day and enjoy your family. Periodically, however, take a glance at the nativity scene in your home, and thank God for the cradle, for the cross, and for the crown.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
December 25 , 2018
Dr. Joe Pettigrew
No comments:
Post a Comment