December 24, 2020
The Savior is Born – Psalm 8:9
Dr. Larry S. Lightner
O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! –Psalm 8:9
The shepherds were doing what they always did at night, keeping watchful eyes upon Bethlehem’s sheep throughout the darkness. They hoped for a night of peace.
Things were about to change. Suddenly heaven opened and the angel of the Lord appeared to them and declared that Jesus was born nearby.
What dramatic irony. The sheep being raised by the shepherds would be sacrificed just a few miles down the road (on Jerusalem’s altar). However, the shepherds were prohibited to enter the temple to worship, even if they would want to worship. It was due to their position—they were ceremonially unclean; outcasts to the very worship that their hands made possible. What irony.
Here, God chooses the shepherds to hear the greatest news to date ever heard! Would God come to them because He knew the shepherds could not attend church? What is the inference for the Gospel being carried throughout the land? It is for everyone! What does it say for you and I? we are not to hold back the good news!
On this incredible night, we see that God’s grace intends to meet us where we are. God chases us with His grace while we cannot do a thing to save ourselves. What a great God. What an offer of peace, His peace, God brings.
Christ comes. Not to a mansion, but to a manger. Not first to people in the upper crust, but to the people on the lower rungs of society
Life Application
Celebrate that God’s grace is for all, the Jew and Gentile—no one is excluded. God’s grace finds us and shows us the way to His peace. He most often chooses to open understanding to the lost through faithful people. Are you aware of His intentions to use you to reach the lost. There are thousands in our communities, millions in our nation, and billions in our world who need to hear.
Silent Night, Holy Night
Silent night, holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
‘Round yon virgin, mother, and child,
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar,
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!
Silent night, holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
Jesus, Lord at thy birth
Prayer
- Thank God for His nearness in your silentness of heart.
- Thank God for stepping down out of heaven fulfilling hope, acting in love, coming with joy, and offering His peace to us personally.
