by Rev Steve Nickodemus

A Savior is Born!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Today in the city of David a Savior has been born for you, Christ, the Lord!”
Luke 2:11

Some testimonies about our faith in Jesus are obvious… “Let me tell you about how Jesus saved me from sin” or “Jesus is my Savior.  Would you like to know Him, too?”.

But other testimonies about Jesus are more subtle.  One that I practice a lot this time of year is this: When a clerk in a store or my server in a restaurant says, “Have a good day” or “Happy Holidays”, I respond with a smile and a hearty “And Merry Christmas to you!”  Most of the time the person smiles back and responds with “And Merry Christmas to you!”

It is as if the person was just waiting for a chance to acclaim, “Yes, this is the Reason for the Season!”  Although the person may not be a strong follower of Jesus Christ, often they seem relieved that someone is simply acknowledging that the birth of the Son of God, our Immanuel, is the underlying reason for almost everything we celebrate in the month of December… Including Santa, trees, gifts, lights, carols, candles, cards, and children.

Yes, I know that Christmas has been often commercialized and used and abused, but the real essence of it all is simply this: God sent His Son Jesus into this world, born of a woman, born under the Law to redeem those under the Law, to save them from their sins.  And He is the Light of the world that shines in the darkness and no one can put out His Light.

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into my world and saving me.  Thank you for Christmas and for all that goes with it.  It all reminds me of Your love and Your salvation for me.  Amen.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado