The winter solstice arrived here in the northern hemisphere this past weekend on Saturday, December 21, at 4:20 AM EST. It is the day with the shortest amount of daylight. For those who dread shorter daylight hours and the winter season, there is good news, from this day forward the days will be getting longer. The winter solstice has been celebrated for centuries in various forms influenced by pagan festivals.
The three most famous are Saturnalia in ancient Rome, the Norse Yule traditions from Scandinavia from where we get our ‘yule log,’ and the celebrations of the Druids. Winter solstice celebrations are still held all over the world. Some follow the early pagan festivals, and others adapted from within their various cultures. Perhaps the most notable today is the thousands of visitors who will make their way to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, just to take in what they believe it to be. All these festivals have one thing in common, the darkest day giving way to rising light in the future days.
Just a side note; it is true that some of our Christmas traditions were picked up from some of these pagan festivals, such as the ‘yule log,’ since Christmas was first recognized on December 25, 336. The truth is, no one can be certain what time of the year Christ was born, most likely it wasn’t December 25th. The good news is, we know He came to earth being born of a virgin in Bethlehem.
It may not be a bad thing that Christmas is celebrated around the winter solstice. The world is anticipating the coming light to end their darkest days. What greater light is there for the world than the light of Jesus Christ and the hope of salvation for those who believe in Him. The amount of Christmas lights displayed around the world during the season adds to that hope. We do not know if Christ was born around the winter solstice, but it is fitting we celebrate His birth by shining His light in winter for all the world to see.
“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 among those with whom he is pleased!’” Luke 2:13-14 ESV
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A common thread that ran through the last two songs of hope we have looked at, Mary’s song and Zechariah’s song, is they both give glory to God. Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,” and Zechariah exclaimed, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel.” And the angels continue the theme this week with “Glory to God in the highest.” Indeed, the birth of Christ is reason to rejoice in praising God and giving Him all the glory. This week in our 4th Song of Hope for Advent we sing along with the angels, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk.2:14 esv)
The greatest birth the world has ever known, the incarnation of God embodying human flesh, occurred in the most humiliating of circumstances. But God saw it was noted as the most glorious event that it was. R.C. Sproul describes it in this manner, “At the very moment the babe is wrapped in the cloth of humiliation, God is not satisfied that the circumstances of the Son’s birth be only humiliation. God desired that shame be balanced with glory and exaltation.” (1) And it was glory with a host of angels preceding down from heaven in a chorus of praise.
The first ones to receive the glorious news were the shepherds working the night shift out in the fields overlooking Bethlehem. Theirs’ was a busy occupation with the Temple in Jerusalem only six miles away. They provided many of the animals for sacrifice, including sheep. Shepherds worked day and night 365 days a year. They were also on the lower cast of society. The smell of the fields and animals was just as unattractive as their occupation for most people. Nevertheless, God chose them as the first ones to hear the good news. The news of Christ’s miraculous birth is for all people willing to come to Him and accept Him for salvation. The shepherds didn’t waste any time after the angels left them, “(they) said to one another, ‘Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.’” (Lk.2:15, esv)
The shepherds were filled with joy and hurried to see the Christ child, but when the angels first appeared, they were frighten to death. In fact, it was only one angel that got them all worked up. “And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” (Lk.2:9 esv) Fear would have been a natural reaction when on a dark, quiet night of the same-old, same-old work an angel appears with the glory of the Lord shining all around them. But the angel quickly calms their fears with good news. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Lk.2:10-11 esv)
This was good news for the shepherds. They would know ‘Christ’ was the Messiah that the Jews were waiting for. The angel referred to the city of David where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. This was a declaration of the birth of the one who would save the world from sin and death. Notice, the angel gives three titles to the Christ-child; Savior, Christ (Messiah, anointed one), and Lord (Yahweh, or God.) He was both God and man. The angel then gives them a sign of what to look for when they go to into Bethlehem to look for the savior, and then the song begins.
“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 among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Lk.2:13-14 esv) A heavenly host of angels came down and joined their colleague in singing their song ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo.’ Here again, as in Mary’s and Zechariah’s songs, we get the name from the Latin Vulgate translation. The first words in the Latin Vulgate are ‘Gloria in Excelsis Deo’ meaning ‘Glory to God in the highest.’ The angels know of the glory and majesty of God and have just witnessed perhaps the greatest event they have seen and can’t hold back in giving praise and glory to God.
We will have the opportunity to sing along with angels this Christmas season whether singing in church, or caroling, singing at home, or in your car. This song of hope this week is giving glory to God for His plan of salvation coming to realization in the birth of Christ and the peace we can have by accepting Him as savior. What better song to sing.
During the last half of the 20th century and so far so in the 21st century a certain amount of people take offense to the spelling of Christmas as ‘Xmas.’ Their argument is, and rightly so, it is used to keep ‘Christ’ out of Christmas. The phrase ‘Keep Christ in Christmas ‘was coined to list ways to keep the meaning of Christmas true to what it is, the birth of Christ. Notably, it is also used to refute the spelling of ‘Xmas.’ There is no doubt within secular society attempts are made to undermine and diminish the influence of Christianity, and by using ‘Xmas’ they are found guilty. The opponents of the use of ‘Xmas’ need not worry so much. Those who use ‘Xmas’ with the intent to remove Christ from Christmas are failing in their attempts because, little do they know, they are promoting Christ in their actions.
The original use of ‘Xmas’ dates back to the year 1021, however it began to be used more frequently in the mid-1500s. The ‘X’ is from the Greek letter ‘Chi’ which is the first letter in Greek for the word ‘Christ.’ In Greek, the name of Christ is Χριστός (christos). The first letter resembles the English letter (x). It was in the middle ages when writing in ink was expensive that shorthand was used, and ‘chi’ was inserted for Χριστός. Carried over into English is ‘X’, therefore ‘Xmas’ meaning (christos-mas.) There was never any effort to disrespect the name of Christ for they could not have, it was not their attempt. The writing signified Christ and that was their intention.
Fast forward to 1983 and Webster’s 9th Edition which reads, “[X is symbol for Christ from the Greek letter chi (x), initial of Christos Christ + mas (in Christmas) ]: Christmas (dates from 1551).”
So, feel free to use ‘Xmas.’ You are honoring Christ who was born to save us from our sins. Don’t discourage those who use it thinking it keeps Christ out of Christmas, it does not. But thank them for honoring your Lord and Savior and show them Χριστός (christos) and His love for them and wish them a Merry Xmas.
Source used: Wiersbe, David W. & Warren W. C is for Christmas. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2012. Pg 199-200
The most familiar verse in all of Scripture is John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (kjv) God’s love came down to the world when He sent His Son to be born of a virgin over 2,000 years ago. The world was and is still in need of a savior. The angels announced to the shepherds on that first Christmas Eve, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Lk.2:11 kjv) Yes, God’s love came down. His plan of salvation from eternity passed, for you and me, had taken another step closer to its completion.
Jesus came into this world as the God-man to save sinners. His love for us is such that He left heaven’s glories to come here and live on this earth. Jesus lived and worked among us until His time came for the purpose of His coming. He would make the ultimate sacrifice dying on the cross of Calvary for our sins showing His love for us. Yes, Christ’s love for us came down thirty-three years earlier in the city of David, and it never wavered, even on the cross. His love that came down for us, kept Him up on the cross and this time did not come down.
We are incapable of reaching up to God for salvation. There is nothing we can ever do to save ourselves. So, love came down. ‘For God so loved the world.’ It is God’s desire that no one perishes into eternal damnation due to their sin. (2Pt.3:9) Christ’s coming to earth is proof of God’s love for us. Yes, love came down; in Jesus’ birth, in His death, in His resurrection, in sending us His Holy Spirit, and in His coming back again. Have you received God’s love that came down and accepted Christ as your savior?
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” Hebrews 2:14 ESV
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The image of a baby boy in a manger is precious in our sight during the Christmas season. As Christmas Eve draws closer, the thought of that silent night fills our hearts and minds with great anticipation. The sounds of ‘Away in the Manger, ‘Silent Night,’ and ‘O Holy Night’ fill the air. Little thought is given to the image of the Christ child 33 years later suffering on the cross at Calvary. But that is why Christ came, and why He came as flesh and blood.
The writer of the book of Hebrews says that it was through Christ death on the cross that He destroyed Satan who has the power of death. Jesus conquered death by His resurrection three days later. He could only do that if He became like us and took on our physical nature of flesh and blood. Jesus not only conquered death, but He satisfied God’s required payment for our sins by His death. The apostle John tells us “He is the propitiation (appeasement or satisfaction) for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1Jn.2:2 esv) “For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Heb.9:22b nlt)
A third reason why Christ came as flesh and blood is He can help us in our time of need when tempted. “For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (Heb.2:18 esv) It is hard for us to imagine how Jesus was tempted in the same way we are today, but Scripture records it. We need to take it by faith. Matthew records Satan tempted Jesus with ‘the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.’ (Mt.4:1-11) And Jesus withstood the temptations. By coming in the flesh and taking on our physical nature Jesus can sympathize with our struggles and is there to help us through the Holy Spirit.
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb.4:15 esv)
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Luke 1:76 ESV
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The story of the birth of Christ has several intriguing storylines and all of them true. There are some ordinary people who play a significant role in God’s plan in bringing His Son into the world. This week we look at the husband of Elisabeth who gave us our first song of hope for advent two weeks ago. His name is Zechariah, one of 18,000 priests of that day, and who had been speechless the entire time of his wife’s pregnancy for not believing that Elizabeth would have a child in their old age. Over the course of nine months, I’m sure Zechariah had done some deep thinking, perhaps second guessing himself for his response to the angel. The angel had told him his son’s name would be John and that he would be great in the sight of the Lord turning peoples’ hearts back to the God, and that John would be the forerunner of the Messiah. This ordinary prophet will burst out in praise to the Lord God for His work in providing a way of salvation for all people.
Zechariah’s song is called ‘The Benedictus’ just as in Mary’s ‘The Magnificat’ the first word is translated from the Latin Vulgate. In this case the opening word is ‘Benedictus’ meaning ‘Praise be’ or ‘Blessed be.’ The song occurs eight days after Elizabeth had given birth. The occasion was the circumcision of the child as required by the Lord.
It was the custom to name a child at their circumcision, and most likely be named after someone in the family. Family members and friends tried to persuade Zechariah and Elizabeth to name him Zechariah. “And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father.” (Lk.1:59 esv) But of course Mary spoke up and said, ‘“No; he shall be called John.’ And they said to her, ‘None of your relatives is called by this name.’” (Lk.1:60b-61 esv) It’s interesting to note, families didn’t always agree in those days either. When they gestured to Zechariah what name he wanted for the child, Zecheriah wrote on a tablet, ‘His name is John.’ And immediately his mouth was opened, and Zechariah began praising God.
Zechariah’s first words after nine months were filled with praise to God. His silence from speaking could have brought on deep contemplation with God. Unable to speak, listening to everything around him, writing on a tablet, but able to converse with God in silent prayer, Zechariah used this time to connect deeper with his God. We need more quiet moments with God in our day to connect and grow deeper in our relationship with him. The results that await us will be positive as Zechariah has demonstrated.
The fear of the Lord came upon all those present. Reverential awe was displayed as the Lord’s presence was felt in naming this child. The anticipation was high in what this child named ‘John” would turn out to be. His naming outside the traditional norms meant great expectations for him as the hand of the Lord must be upon him.
Zechariah begins his song, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David.” (Lk.1:68-69 esv) The occasion as noted above is the birth and circumcision of his son, but the heart and theme of his song is ‘God visiting His people.’ God had visited him and Elisabeth in the birth of their child and now God is about to visit His people with the birth of His Son, the Messiah. Zechariah begins his song with that prophecy. The word ‘horn’ is a symbol of strength and power. Jesus has the power to save. He is a powerful savior able to redeem his people.
God had spoken though the prophets of the Old Testament of Israel being saved from their enemies, but this is much more than that, it is redemption from their ultimate enemy and ours, Satan. Zechariah continues, “to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us.” (Lk.1:72-73 esv) The Lord God made a holy covenant with Abraham, an everlasting covenant with a promise to keep it, the Abrahamic covenant promising salvation by grace. (Gen,12:1-3, 15:18-21, 17:1-21)
Zechariah’s song now turns to his son, the forerunner to the Messiah. “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” (Lk.1:76-77 esv) John is the one who was prophesied in the Old Testament as the one coming in the power of Elijah to prepare the way. “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” (Mal.4:5-6 esv) One commentary note, ‘John was a prophet of the Most High whereas Jesus is the Son of the Most High.’ John paved the way for the one who has the power to provide salvation.
Zechariah closes with the rising of the ‘Son,’ the light that will come upon those who live in darkness. “because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.” Zechariah prophesied the sunrise was about to appear bringing light to all who sit in the darkness of sin. Christ was coming into the world ‘to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ Soon the heavenly angels will take over the singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Lk.2:14 esv) And we look at that next week!
“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people, For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 KJV
“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth” Luke 15:7a KJV
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The Christmas season is a joyous time for most people. I say most, because not all people rejoice in the month of December for various reasons. Sadness may prevail at the loss of a loved one. A terminal illness may have been discovered. The loss of a job at the end of the year puts a damper on the New Year. Others have no interest in the holidays in general or want anything to do with the religious tone to the season. Whether we are joyous or not, the Christmas season is here. There will be rejoicing in heaven and on earth, and that is a good thing.
The heavenly angels were sent to the shepherds out in the fields to announce the coming of the savior. There was great joy for all people on the earth. A savior had been born to take away our sin and reconcile us back to God. The long-awaited Messiah had finally come, and it was time to rejoice. I’m sure the angels in heaven were rejoicing along with the others sent to earth that night. “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 will toward men.” (Lk.2:13-14 kjv) Good news had come to all that night and that is a reason to rejoice.
The Bible tells us of Jesus’ words in the gospel of Luke concerning joy in heaven. “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth.” (Lk.15:7a kjv) The angels in heaven rejoice over a soul set free by the power of Christ and His work on the cross just as they rejoiced at His coming to earth to set that soul free. There is also joy on earth as friends and loved ones witness the transformation of a changed life.
May this Christmas season be a joyous time for you whatever your circumstances. Yes, there will be rejoicing in heaven and on earth for the savior who was born and for those who will be set free this Christmas by accepting Him as savior and Lord.
As I was taking my shower this morning the old hymn ‘Nothing But the Blood’ was playing through my phone. (and No, I do not sing in the shower) The first verse is as follows, ‘What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.” A thought came to mind, how little the word ‘sin’ is referenced anywhere or by anybody these days, and sadly even in some churches. How many people ever think of themselves as a sinner? My guess is, not many.
During the Christmas season the word ‘sin’ is heard more often publicly than any other time throughout the year. Of course, you need to be in a church service during the month or listen to Christmas songs or carols that focus on the birth of Christ rather than ‘Please come home for Christmas, if not for Christmas by New Year’s night.’ Lyrics to familiar Christmas carols are known and sung by many people during Christmas never giving thought to the meaning other than its part to ‘the most wonderful time of the year.’ But the real meaning of ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ is Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins.
If we are not sinners, only doing a few bad things occasionally like telling a ‘white lie,’ why would Jesus need to come and save us. The truth is all of us have been born with a sin nature and we do what comes naturally, we sin. Whether we think we are not, justifying our sin because everybody does it, we are all guilty before God. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” (Ro.3:23 kjv) That is why Jesus came, to save us from our sins by shedding His blood on the cross at Calvary for, “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46-49 ESV
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Our second song of hope for this Advent season is most likely the most recognized one of the five. Mary’s song, known as ‘The Magnificat,’ has been read and sung in churches around the world for centuries. It is a song Mary spoke through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Did she sing it or speak it? Scripture says, “And Mary said,” but there was certainly singing in her heart. It was heart-felt praise and adoration for her Lord from the depths of her soul. It is called the ‘Magnificat’ because in the Latin Vulgate translation the opening word is ‘Magnificat’ meaning ‘glorifies.’ Mary’s song displays her vast knowledge of the Scriptures. As John MacArthur points out, “These verses also contain numerous allusions to the law, the psalms, and the prophets. The entire passage is a point-by-point reciting of the covenant promises of God.” (1) There are 15 quotations from the Old Testament in her song. It is noteworthy there is deep concern for the poor and despised, and rejection of the rich and proud. Mary finds herself as one of the poor and despised people of the world. She is astonished and humbled the Lord has found favor with her. R.C. Sproul sees it as a true Cinderella story, not a fairy tale, but reality and truth.
Mary starts by exalting or magnifying the Lord, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Lk.1:46-47 esv) Praising the almighty God, Mary also realized her need of a savior. The child she would bear would indeed be her son but would also be her savior. Despite the historical church teaching to our friends in the Catholic church, Mary was not sinless and needed a savior. Mary says, ‘my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’ Thomas Aquinas, an Italian Christian theologian and philosopher who served under several Popes and was canonized St. Thomas Aquinas in 1323, believed Mary could not have been sinless because of her confession of needing of a savior.
Mary then acknowledges her lowly state and how graciously the Lord God looked upon her. From that point on all generations will realize how blessed Mary was. “For he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed.” (Lk.1:48 esv) The word ‘servant’ is also translated ‘maidservant’ was the term for a female slave in that day. Mary, therefore, expressed a deep sense of humility.
Three attributes are rendered in the words of Mary in her song, God’s mighty power, His holiness, and His mercy. (Lk.1:49-50) Mary says the mighty God has done great things for her, a lowly servant. She then notes the holiness of God and says those who fear God and acknowledges Him receives mercy. God’s mighty hand is further seen in Mary’s words as she describes the acts of God. “He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.” (Lk.1:51-53 esv) Mary gives us a history lesson of God’s justice by God scattering the proud and bringing the mighty down from their thrones, while raising up those of low estate which Mary was one. If anyone knew God’s mercy towards the poor and the low estate in society, Mary knew. It speaks to her overwhelming humble attitude and praise to God in seeing her lowly handmaid status being raised up by the God of mercy.
Mary ends her song with the assurance that God keeps His promises. Again, Mary, being well versed in Scripture, knew God has helped Israel in the past and will continue to do so. She also knew God is a covenant keeping God, and what was promised and prophesied in Old Testament would come to past. Mary knew the promise of the coming Messiah. She knew He would be born of a virgin; she knew she was in that category. She knew He would be called the Son of God, and He would save His people from their sins. Mary praised and glorified God who chose her in a lowly estate to bring into the world, the savior of the world. So, Mary sang, The Magnificat – “My soul magnifies the Lord.”
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 NLT
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As 2024 is rapidly coming to a close, the hope for peace and prosperity is wished for all people and nations in the New Year. As the world looks forward to the horizon of 2025, it can’t help but to be reminded of the sunset we are seeing in the present year. So many conflicts among nations continue to rise. Social issues are still demanding their presence on the world stage, and the attack on the nuclear family is ever increasing. World Peace may seem to be hard to come by in 2025. It is not only hard to come by but will not happen despite the best efforts of world leaders. But there is peace available to every man, woman, and child in the New Year, and it is a gift we only need to receive.
This gift of peace was first given to us as a promise from God the Father bridging the gap between us and God created by Adam and Eve. A gift of peace, a savior, would come into the world. (Gen.3:15) The gift of peace was born to us over 2,000 years ago in a stable in the town of Bethlehem. “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Lk.2:11, 14 nlt) This gift of peace, Jesus Christ, came into an unpeaceful, sinful world and has provided peace for all who believe in His name, accepting Him as savior.
On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus gave His disciples a deeper meaning to the salutation ‘Shalom’ meaning peace. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” (Jn.14:27 nlt) This peace reflects our reconciliation with God the Father through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for our sins. This is true peace and nothing the world can provide. The world can only crave lasting peace which they cannot provide. Jesus’ peace is real and is the answer for all the fears in the world.
Word for the Soul 