A Baby Named Jesus

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:10–12 (NIV)

It’s not surprising that the shepherds had to be told “do not be afraid.” Shepherds were prepared to deal with bears, lions, and wolves. They could handle sheep thieves and other outlaws, but an angel of the Lord? THAT they weren’t prepared to deal with!

It’s a frightening honour. Frightening, b/c angels of the Lord radiate with the reflected glory of God. They spend so much time in the presence of the Lord God Almighty, that angels radiate w/ some of God’s holiness and majesty. Even a taste of God’s goodness makes you overwhelmed w/ unworthiness.

I’m glad this heavenly messenger told them, “Don’t be afraid.” I wonder how much it helped. I suspect it took a bit for the shepherds’ hearts to stop racing.

This heavenly messenger brought good news of great joy.

· All God’s people knew God’s promise to Eve, that her offspring would come to crush the serpent’s head.

· They knew God’s promise to Abraham & Sarah that their offspring would be a blessing to all nations.

· All God’s people knew God’s promise to David that his son would reign on David’s throne forever.

They were hoping for the Saviour, waiting for the Messiah, longing for the Lord to come and rescue his people.

People need rescuing from sin and death.

What is sin? How would you define it?

Sin is falling short of the good that God expects of you. Sin is failing to revere God the Creator as #1 in your life. Sin is failing to treat the people around you with the kindness and respect you want them to show to you. I don’t know how you judge your success, but I know I don’t live up to my own standards for goodness, let alone God’s.

That’s big trouble b/c sin breaks relationships: with God the Creator and with the people around you. Sin always and inevitably leads to death. It’s not something I can fix for myself. In fact, each day I dig myself deeper and deeper in a hole. I need help. What about you?

When you’re looking for help, when you’re looking for a mighty hero, you don’t expect the best help in the world to be “a baby, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” It’s a twist; an unexpected surprise for the shepherds and for everyone who hears the gospel.

But after the angel delivers his message, a great company of angels is revealed: a mighty army of angels all around the shepherds and their sheep. The angels cannot contain their joy and delight at God’s salvation plan! They’re bursting with the news and praise for God:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 (NIV)

I’m not sure the shepherds were prepared to argue with an army of angels. I don’t think I would either.

So when the angels left, the shepherds went to check the sign the angel mentioned. And the angel’s story checked out: “they found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in a manger.”

The baby’s name is “Jesus.” It fits. The name “Jesus” means “the Lord saves.”

But the salvation plan is a surprise too. All through his life, Jesus suffered. He endured life among sinful people, while Jesus remained perfectly obedient to God, his heavenly Father.

As an adult, Jesus was arrested, condemned, and crucified. This is God’s salvation plan. God the Father put your guilt and shame on Jesus. The Messiah died in your place.

On the third day, Jesus rose from the grave: proof that Jesus was victorious. Sin and death were defeated! His resurrection guarantees that all who believe in him will not perish but have everlasting life.

A life of faith in Jesus is different, b/c Jesus, our Saviour and Messiah, becomes the Lord of your life. All who believe in Jesus are invited to worship and serve him as Ruler and Lord in all areas of life.

From his throne in heaven, Jesus sends the HS of God to his people so we’re able to believe in him, able to serve him, able to imitate him, getting better and better at loving God and the people around us.

I know it’s a stretch to go from a baby in a manger to seeing him as Saviour, Messiah, and Lord. But that’s the angel’s message, backed up with an army of heavenly warriors. It’s the good news that gets unpacked as you read the gospels.

Can you believe it?