By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

A Sign for You!

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”  Luke 2:11-12 English Standard Version

The angel came to bring good news to the shepherds.  Good news of a Savior, the Messiah, the Lord who had come to his people.  The good news had been eagerly awaited for a very long time.  Prophets had spoken of him and people had prayed for his coming.  They so very much needed a Savior, someone to rescue them and give them peace.

And the fact that he was to be born in Bethlehem, the birthplace of the great king David was also good news.  This Savior would be a king that would bring justice and righteousness and peace and joy, just as David had done.  He would bring rest from their enemies and they would be assured of God’s presence among them.

But this sign for them; a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.  How could this be?  A baby in a barn?  A king worshiped among the animals in the grime of everyday life?

But yes, this was the most important part of the message!  This Jesus, born in a manger, had come to bring salvation from their sins and peace with God.  He had come to carry their burdens and take their iniquities on himself.  He would suffer for them and among them for he is Immanuel, God with us.

He had left his heavely realm and in the love and mercy of God had come to die for them.  And he had not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life for many!  This is the very best news of all!

• “Hark! the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King;
• Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
• Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies;
• With the angelic host proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem!
• Hark the herald angels sing, Glory to the newborn King!”

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado

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