The godly man Simeon (whom we met in Luke 2) “hinted” that Jesus’ Birth would not be totally “pleasant.” There would be “sorrow” intermingled with the “joy.” That the virgin Mary would not only “rejoice” over His Birth … but also have a “sword” pierce her heart! See Luke 2:35 about that “sword.”

And to Joseph (Mary’s espoused Husband) the angel clearly announced: “She shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

See, in this one verse!

Jesus’ Birth.

Immediately followed by (with the intervening years obviously being telescoped) Jesus’ Death!

I say that because the ONLY way Jesus could save sinners is through His sacrificial Death on the Cross. Paul most distinctly said it in First Corinthians 15:3. “That Christ DIED FOR OUR SINS according to the scriptures.”

Biblically speaking, there is a shadow over the manger. A dark (but ultimately victorious) sign of the impending (old rugged) Cross!

Amen!

He came to die!

Do you know Him today not only as a Baby in a crib?

But as your personal Deliverer, Saviour, Redeemer?

The One Who died, was buried, and rose again for our justification?

If not, meet Him this very hour.

How, one might ask this Christmas Day? Romans 10:9-10 answers: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, THOU SHALT BE SAVED. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Truth indeed!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell