A SAVIOUR WHICH IS CHRIST THE LORD

Matthew 1:1-6, 16, 18-25; Luke 2:1-14

Every year for over 2000 years, Christians have celebrated the birth of the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is always a time of great joy. It is meant to propagate Joy and peace to all men. Jesus Christ came to bring peace between human beings and their creator. He came to reconcile man to God. He brought the Good News of this to the world and had them recorded in the Gospels. Announcing His birth the angel described it as tidings of great joy. This month of December for us is the month of Joy. Joy in every family. Joy our hearts. Joy at work. Joy in the office. Joy at school. Joy in the Church!

The Incarnation of Jesus Christ

Historical Facts
(Luke 2:1-12; Mat.1:20-21; Luke 1:30-35)

The birth of Jesus Christ is recorded clearly in history. Caesar Augustus began his reign as emperor in 27 BC and reigned till 14 AD a reign lasting forty-one years. It is likely the census of 8 BC that Luke was referring to. Historians therefore place the birth of Christ between 6 - 4 BC. Jewish historian Josephus also wrote about Jesus in his history of the Jewish people. Other Jewish writings recorded his activities. His teachings were recorded. His crucifixion was recorded. His resurrection was recorded. Jesus Christ is a person of history.

Its Theological Significance

(John 1:9, 14; Rom.8:3; 2Cor.8:9; Gal.4:4-5; Phil.2:6-7; 1Tim.3:16; Heb.2:14)

The birth of Jesus Christ in the flesh has great implications. God becoming flesh is a concept beyond human imagination. It is a great lesson in humility (Phil.2:6-7). The believer can say, if my Lord Jesus Christ could do that, I His disciple can also do the same.

The Sinless Life Of Jesus Christ

His Virgin Birth
(Isaiah 7:14; Mat.1:18-23)

It was God’s will that His son be born without human sin contamination. The Bible tells us that before Joseph and Mary came together, Mary was with child of the Holy Spirit (Mat.1:18, 20; Luke 1:35)

Its Theological Significance
(Romans 8:1-3; 1Peter 2:22-24)

To save the sinner God needs one who is sinless. Since no human being is sinless, God’s choice was to offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice – in the person of Jesus Christ His Son. This shows us that Salvation comes from the Lord. Christ is the promised “Seed of the woman” (Gen.3:15). Also the Virgin birth is the way God chose to unite full deity and full humanity in one person.

The Death Of Jesus Christ

A Historical Event
(Phil.2:8; Mat.27:50)

Jesus died, but it was all part of God’s grand design for the salvation of the world. His death brought reconciliation to God.

Its Redemptive Significance
(Rom.5:8-11; Luke 12:49-50; 24:26; John 17:4; Acts 2:23; Rom.5:19; 1Cor.1:23-24; 1Pet.2:24)

Christ had to die so that we may live. He made Himself poor so that we may be rich.

 

The Resurrection Of Jesus Christ

Historical reality
(1Cor.15:3-8; Mat.28:1-8; 2Tim.2:8-10)

Paul’s defense of the resurrection is clear and convincing. He gave eye witness accounts. He told us most of the over 500 brethren that saw the Lord were still alive and could be contacted.

Its Significance To True Faith
(1Cor.15:12-18; Rom.4:25; 6:1-16; 1Cor.15:21, 42-49)

If Christ did not rise from the dead, then there would be no forgiveness of sin. As Paul the apostle said, our faith would be in vain and we would still be in our sin. But Christ arose. Halleluiah! He paid the price. Our sins are forgiven. We have been reconciled to God.