For Others ... A Message of Peace

So ... we've looked at the message delivered by the Innkeeper in Luke chapter two. It was a message that portrayed the sorrow, sadness and separation that could be very real for those without Jesus.

Now let's look at another message -- this one delivered by an angelic messenger accompanied by an angelic choir. Overall, it was a message of peace. It was a message that promised not peace among nations -- but peace between man and God. Jesus came to bring peace and reconciliation between mankind and the creator.

But it was also a soothing message. We are told right off that we are not to fear. This Christ child born in a manger would deliver us from fear. We would no longer have to fear hell or Satan or death -- or even life.

It was also a message of salvation.

The angel said he brought "glad tidings of great joy" straight from the throne of God. It was good news. It was "to all people" -- which makes it universal -- for everyone. And he said "unto you" -- which makes it personal. To us was born a Savior -- Christ the Lord; the anointed one; the Son of God.

Think about it: Jesus is not called a good example or a great teacher or a real nice guy ... He is our Savior!

I truly believe that if our greatest need had been information ... God would have sent an educator; if our greatest need had been technology ... God would have sent a scientist; if our greatest need had been money ... God would have sent an economist; if our greatest need had been pleasure ... God would have sent an entertainer; if our greatest need had been military ... God would have sent a soldier; if our greatest need had been for justice ... God would have sent a judge.

But ... our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption, and ... therefore ... God sent a Savior!

Finally, it was a showing message -- a message that pointed the way to the Christ. God's word always points to the Savior -- if we take time to look.