Saturday, December 24, 2011

The First Christmas Greeting

Another great commentary for Christmas season is linked below; this one by Reverend David Holloway. It gives meaning and focus to the "first ever Christmas greeting" which was given to Mary, the Mother of Jesus:

Christmas Message

As we heard, it was from an Angel:

“Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” (Luke 1.28)

But, we are told, she “was greatly troubled” at what she heard. She learnt she would be pregnant, though in a secret and miraculous way. However, such a pregnancy before marriage could mean rejection by Joseph, her husband to be, and a tarnished reputation for life. Learning the truth is sometimes hard.

Perhaps you have recently learnt something regarding your family or health or work that means you, too, are “greatly troubled”.

Well, the message of Christmas provides true hope and encouragement for all. It teaches you not only that God is real but God loves you (the evidence is Christ’s coming in history); God is for you (the evidence is Christ’s death on the Cross); and God is with you (for Christ is “Emmanuel” – meaning “God is with us”, as we shall be singing). So how you need to trust him!


But what did Mary learn new from that angelic message that is still important for today? Three things.

First, she learnt she was to give her son “the name Jesus” which, originally in Hebrew, means “God saves”. The one born, therefore, is our “Saviour”.

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1.15)

Christ came to die, in our place, for our sins to restore our relationship with God; and then he rose from the dead conquering death, to give new life for now and for eternity by his Holy Spirit. And none are too bad to be saved, or too good to need saving.

Secondly, Mary was told:

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” (Luke 1.32)

“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1.35)

So Mary learnt her baby would be none other than the divine Son of God

Thirdly, she then heard these words:

“The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1.32-33)


The following quote deserves its own space:

She was being told that Jesus would be the one the ancient prophets looked forward to and predicted. He was not only “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father”, but would also be “Prince of Peace.” He was truly unique, with no equals and no successors. And, as we can now see, his resurrection confirmed that he would indeed be not just the King of Israel but the eternal King of all kings, and Lord of all Lords.


AMEN.

Merry Christmas to everyone who visits this site. I hope you have a blessed and meaningful Christmas.

Perhaps next Christmas will be spent in New Jerusalem. We can hope.

Maranatha!

9 comments:

ally said...

Our blessed hope! Maranatha! Or as the Jews say at Passover..."Next year, Jerusalem"!

ally said...

I was going to not comment today really, just relax in the day of celebrating Christ but I was sooo excited I had to tell ya'll. Earthquake at the north pole (interesting eh on Christmas Day!) and for those of us who have been wondering about Dutchsinse being a Christian....he has a link on his wordpress site that says "learn about Jesus Christ" and if you click on it....its the entire bible...King James Version no less. Yay! Sincedutch.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Merry Christmas everyone!

mary said...

MERRY "CHRIST"mas everyone, and Scott we all sooooo appreciate this site and for keeping us informed.
looking up :D mary

Robin said...

Just popped in to post a quick link. Al Jazeera is reporting the Iranians are now practicing naval maneuvers in the Strait of Hromuz:

http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2011/12/201112256111744890.html


Merry Christmas everyone!

WVBORN56 said...

Merry Christmas! As we celebrate the first coming we look anxiously forward to His coming for the Bride!

ally said...

Merry Christmas all! There was an earthquake at the north pole on Christmas Eve/Christmas depending on what time zone you are in! Hmmm, do we serve a jealous God or what? I'm definately feeling that quake had a little message for us. lol! Looking up!

Dutch Treat said...

NERRY CHRISTMAS everyone. It was so nice with Christmas being on a sunday that we could go to church and celebrate Christ's coming to Earth with other believers. I'll be looking foreward to the day when we can celebrate it everyday in Heaven.

Scott said...

Dutch
I agree, it was nice having Christmas on a Sunday - it seemed a little more special IMO