This Babe, Christ the Lord

“The angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I announce to you glad tidings of great joy, which shall be to all the people; for today a Savior has been born to you in David’s city, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign to you: ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling-clothes, and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good pleasure in men” (Lk 2:10-13).

Never before, and never afterward, could there have been such a marvelous announcement. For this was the most amazing event in history, the incarnation of the eternal Son of God, yet with no public display or recognition by governmental authorities. But though the world did not celebrate this wondrous occasion, heaven was vocal with multitudes of angels praising God. This Babe, Christ the Lord, was laid in the obscurity and poverty of a manger. When King Herod heard of His birth, he was determined to get rid of Him! Such is the cold, heartless character of the world in its ungodliness.

Christ’s incarnation was the beginning of many important events. His life of lowly grace to mankind and faithfulness to God shines beautifully for us who have been born again, filling our hearts with adoration. His sacrifice of Calvary shines brightly above the cruel wickedness of men who plotted His murder and carried it out in bitterest enmity. Their hateful persecution only served to emphasize the wonder of His love in giving Himself for us.

But God raised Him from the dead, another wonder that fills every believing heart with deepest adoration. More than this, He has returned to His Father’s right hand in glory, the Object now of continual adoration and worship. Nor is this all. He has declared He will come again, to receive all believers to His own presence, to share His joy in the Father’s house. Well may we join with angels in praising God!

L.M.G.