Using the simplest language, the messengers from heaven make it clear what Jesus came to do and for whom: a Savior is “born to you!” Not only is this sentence packed with rich, study-of-God kind of food to nourish us all year, but the verse also points to the proclamation of Isaiah 9:6.  Jesus is born, but He is also given (as the “eternally-begotten,” or the co-eternal son who is of the same essence as Father and Spirit), and He is given as Savior for those who receive this proclamation. 

The news is good. Not only is it good for us to hear there is a Savior, but the news is good because any proclamation from God is necessarily of a special quality. When God speaks, it is good. When God orders the world, it is good. When God said “let there be light,” the light by itself isn’t of some wonderous quality, but it was a wonderful light because God who is goodness spoke it. The news He gives to His people is good and it is for our good. 

The joy is great. Excessive is another word for it. The deep abiding spirit of joy rests upon those in whom the Spirit dwells. The news God sends to that surrounding countryside in Bethlehem is expected to transform the hearers. The shepherds were terrified to be in God’s holy presence; however, one single word of grace and mercy subdued the right terror which had afflicted them. Joy instead! The child “born to you” is the child who will take away the righteous judgment of God. He is the reason for abiding joy. He is the reason for excessive joy at the thought God’s presence now dwells in man! This joy is to be no less great in us today.

The announcement is for all people. Starting with the shepherds and continuing with us, each believer needs to be reminded of God’s good will toward His people. When we hear the message of the Savior who is born, it is a message indeed directed to us. You have been called to experience joy in His forgiveness, as well as find counsel, emboldening, strengthening, perseverance, and peace (those qualities received from His titles in Isaiah 9:6). Take comfort in what He brings with His message today…unto you. Let us respond to His announcement with gratitude as we endeavor to unpack all His gracious gifts today.

Merry Christmas!

Pastor Chris