Why He came
As I write this on the third Sunday of Advent, I consider the symbolism of the third candle–hope and joy. Sometimes called the Shepherd Candle, our pink candle at church this morning represented the joy the shepherds felt at the birth of the Christ child and the hope this baby brought them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-12) NIV
Christmas is usually celebrated as a joyful time–and rightfully so. After all, at the manger, the “multifude of heavenly host” joined the angel in singing praises (Luke 2:13); the shepherds rejoiced and shared the Good News (Luke 2:17); and knowledgeable people traveled from distant lands to honor the birth of a “king” (Matthew 2:2). So it is most appropriate for us to joyfully celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Why did Jesus come?
God spoke to Joseph in a dream with the answer to that question…
She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)
Jesus came to save us from our sins–what wonderful news!
The word Gospel means Good News. The first four books of the New Testament, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are referred to as The Gospels because they share the Good News of the life and teachings of Jesus. It is only in Matthew and Luke that information is provided about the birth of Jesus. Mark’s Gospel, believed to be the first written of the four, is concise and provides a straight-forward account of the ministry of Jesus. The authors of Matthew and Luke likely relied heavily on Mark for historical details, but added addition information. The Gospel of John is written in a more reflective style, emphasizing Jesus as the Son of God, while revealing many of the human characteristics of our Savior.
Don’t we love the Christmas story Luke shares?
A master story-teller, Luke helps us to experience the journey to Bethlehem, the stress of trying to find lodging in a village over-crowded with census travelers, and the majestic display of God’s pleasure at the birth of His Son. We can identify with the main characters–Mary’s fatigue and anxiety, Joseph’s loving concern and perseverance, the amazement and joy of the shepherds. We feel as we were there when Immanuel (God with us) came to Earth in the form of a child.
This was just the beginning, or rather, another step along the journey. The beginning happened even longer ago.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that had been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5)
Jesus was with God in the beginning. He came to Earth for one purpose–to save us from our sins.
Paul the Apostle, Christian missionary, and author of many of our New Testament Books didn’t concern himself with the birth of Jesus. Nor did Paul emphasize the life of Jesus or His earthly ministry. Paul’s focus is the cross:
And so it was with me brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:1-2)
Jesus was born for the cross.
By the cross we are given a new beginning. God’s plan has been in place since the beginning of time and on that Christmas long ago, we were given the greatest gift–our salvation. What joy!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and praying that we all recognize the enormity of that most precious gift.
*As has been my usual December custom, I will be taking a short break from my blog to have some quiet time with my Father, joyful time with family, and hopefully, complete several projects. See you in 2022!
I’m so thankful Luke gives us the details about the birth of Jesus. We find out about His humble beginnings, angelic announcements and the facts of the virgin birth that fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy. Thanks for sharing this lesson, Katherine. Enjoy your quiet time with the Father and I wish you a Merry Christmas!
I’m grateful for the details in Luke’s Gospel, too. For many years my family watched Charlie Brown’s Christmas. When Linus recites the story of Christ’s birth from Luke’s Gospel, it’s beautiful. Even though it is a cartoon, I picture all the little children coming to Jesus because He loves them. Jesus didn’t push the precious little ones aside, He said, “Let them come to me.” He is always there for us, inviting us to come. Thank you for your encouragement and good wishes, Barbara. Merry Christmas!
Beautiful Christmas post, Katherine. Thank you.
Be blessed in your sweet break-away time with your Creator.
Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Connie. I’m grateful for your kindness and shared blessing. Merry Christmas!
As Mary pondered on the words of the shepherds who arrived at the manger. I wonder, did she consider what cost her son might have to pay? Did her son, God’s only begotten Son, a newborn babe in swaddling clothes (wrapped up like an unblemished lamb set aside for sacrifice) know then what His future held? Both man and God, I can’t imagine the cost of carrying that foreknowledge. God’s blessings and Merry CHRISTmas my precious friend. Thank you for a year filled with encouragement and inspiration in your posts.
J.D., I just can’t believe that Mary knew. Of course, she was aware that her son was extraordinary and she understand that He was capable of miracles (turning water into wine). But I think God spared her from the knowledge of His Son’s pathway to the cross until that time. I don’t think Mary could have survived otherwise. Thank you for this year of blessing and inspiration, my friend. You’ve been with me on this journey and I’m so grateful for your prayers, encouragement, and Christian love you share us all. Merry CHRISTmas.
Katherine, I used your post as my devotional this morning. The image was captivating. And the truth of Christ’s birth being a step in the journey . . .
“This was just the beginning, or rather, another step along the journey. The beginning happened even longer ago.” Wow!
Your words reminded me that we all are on a journey, and we must embrace it for spiritual growth, whatever the cost. Jesus taught us well about courage in our journey. Thank you, Katherine for a beautiful post. Merry Christmas and blessed rest in the Father’s Presence.
What a blessing your response brought to me. I am so glad you found my message inspiring. We are blessed when God sends us a message to share with others. To Him be the glory. I love your comment, “Jesus taught us well about courage in our journey.” Our Savior and role model–courage, compassion, grace, mercy, and love. He’s our example as to how to love others. Wishing you a joyous Christmas, Kathy.
I love and appreciate your analysis of the Gospels. Your posts always inform and inspire me. Enjoy your break! Looking forward to hearing from you in 2022.
Thank you, Candyce. I’m grateful for your kind encouragement. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year. Looking forward to meeting again in 2022!
The older I get, Katherine, the more I seem to focus on the basic, foundational issues. I’ve spent more time than I care to recall struggling, wrangling, and battling over things that really had no enduring (or even temporary) significance. Thank you for focusing our minds on the heart of the matter. So many movies and plays that get passed around this time of year talk about “the real meaning of Christmas,” but never seem to grasp what they claim to be revealing. God bless you, my friend, for doing that so clearly, and may your Christmas celebrations be inspirational in preparing you for the ministry waiting in 2022.
Ron, as I’ve gotten older, and hopefully. more mature in my thinking and behaving, I can recall many times that I “struggled, wrangled, and battled” over things that weren’t important. You express it so well. What a lot of wasted time and energy! I’m grateful God has sent me a small portion of wisdom and encouragement to focus on what is important. Thank you for sharing your helpful insights this week. Hoping you and your family have a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.
I don’t usually think about Paul with the Christmas story, but I will ponder his extreme focus on the cross as I celebrate Christ. Merry Christmas to you!
Merry Christmas, Annie and family! I look forward to connecting again in 2022, through our blogs and Lighthouse Bible Studies. Wishing you continued blessings in your ministry and service to our Lord.
Merry Christmas, Katherine! God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and continued blessings in the new year.
Another beautiful post. I love thinking of how this was Gods plan from the beginning. It makes it that much more powerful.
Isn’t it awesome how God planned everything so perfectly? And to think that sometimes we (at least I do) sometimes think we know exactly what God’s next action should be. How foolish is the human mind at times. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas and prayers for your ministry.
I like how you pointed out and am glad different authors emphasized different aspects. As John wrote, all the books in the world can’t cover all He is. Merry Christmas, Katherine.
Thank you for adding your insight, Debbie. I agree–books, words, people, or social media cannot begin to convey all that Jesus is. He is beyond our comprehension, yet He loves us beyond measure. We are so blessed. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
This is such a lovely post, Katherine, to remind us that “Jesus was born for the cross.” And that our triune God planned this from the beginning! We do often take the enormity of His gift too lightly.
May you and your family have a Christ-filled Christmas!
I continue to remind my myself of what you so clearly express, “We do often take the enormity of His gift too lightly.” Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your insight. Wishing you a blessed 2022.
Thank you for the reminder that not only is Jesus the reason for the season, but He was born for the Cross. So thankful He was willing to obey His Father and live on earth to love us.
Joanna, you’ve reminded us of the importance of obeying our Father. Jesus is our role model in so many ways. And while we are not called to make the ultimate sacrifice, we are expected to give ourselves entirely in service to our Father and our Lord and Savior, as we are lovingly guided by the Holy Spirit. Wishing you a blessed 2022!
I am thankful for the hope and joy found in Christ. Blessings in the new year!
Wishing you and your family a blessed 2022 and may our Father continue to bless your ministry of service to Him.