THIS BIRTH IS FOR YOU

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”Luke 2:10–11

Most people believe in God, even the devil believes in God. It’s not only believing He exists that is important, its knowing and trusting Him in a personal way. I remember the haunting question that Christians used to ask me before I was born again. It went something like this, “Have you received Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?” I really didn’t know what they meant until that appointed day when my eyes were opened and it became very personal for me. It’s the personal part that trips most people up. At the end of the day that is what Christmas is all about, it is about a personal God who became a personal Savior. Martin Luther’s life was turned around by such an encounter. He was a monk with a religious system that he followed. When the scripture about justification by faith came alive to him it became personal. His faith was awakened and Christ became his personal Savior. Here are some thoughts from Luther about the personal nature of Christ’s coming at that first Christmas.

“No matter where you’re reading in the Bible, faith is the first mystery you should recognize. Faith is not believing that the story you’re reading is true as written. That does nothing for anyone. Even unbelievers can believe that this Bible story about Jesus’ birth is true. Faith is not a natural work apart from God’s grace, as the Scripture clearly teaches. Rather, the right kind of faith, the kind that flows from grace and that God’s Word demands, is firmly believing that Christ was born for you. His birth is yours and occurred for your benefit. For the gospel teaches that Christ was born for our benefit and that everything he did and suffered was for us. As the angel says here, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” With these words, you can clearly see that he was born for all of us.
The angel doesn’t say, “A Savior was born,” but rather “A Savior has been born to you.” In the same way, he doesn’t say, “I have good news,” but rather “I bring you good news.” For you! “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” This joy is for everyone who has this kind of faith.”

May the birth of Christ be personal for you this Christmas. “For unto us a child is born, unto you a son is given.”