(Re)Thinking Christmas: A Savior

Last night, during the Christmas Eve service, our pastor pointed out the word “Savior” from Luke 2:11:

Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

A Savior, who is Christ the LORD.

A Redeemer…who is Christ the LORD.

A Deliverer…who is Christ the LORD.

A Deliverer…

I need delivering from so many things:

my sin,

my self,

my troubles.

The judges in Judges were deliverers. They were not like judges in our world today. They were great warriors who fought battles to rescue God’s people from the consequence of their sin:  captivity.

Oh, Lord, how I am like them:

doing what is right in my own eyes;
being held captive by my sin;

And as I sit here on Christmas morning, I am reminded of my need for a Deliverer.

And there He lays:

a little baby…

in a manger.

The angel’s good news to the shepherds is as needed today as it was over 2,000 years ago:

Behold I bring you tidings of great joy which shall be for all the people. For unto you, is born this day, in the city of David, a [Deliverer] who is Christ the LORD.

And now I better understand, “tidings of great joy.”

Joy to the World the LORD is come.
Let earth receive her King.