We live in a deeply fallen and broken world. Sin – the lack of what is good and true – pervades our planet. Abortion. Euthanasia. War. Famine. Suicide. Drug addiction. Alcoholism. Divorce. Death. Deceit. Rebellion. These are all present in our world – and they’re present because you and I brought them here. Through our sinful nature and our personal sin, we have corrupted creation.
The great Russian novelist and Soviet dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn once said, “The line between good and evil runs not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either — but right through every human heart.”
If we wish to purge evil from the world, we’d first have to start with ourselves. We are the problem.
But 2,000 years ago, a solution was born. The darkness which had enveloped the world was pierced by a small light – a little baby, born in a manger.
God Himself, made incarnate in the womb of the Virgin Mary, had come from heaven to redeem and restore the world. The Messiah had come to give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, cleanse the leper, make the deaf hear, raise the dead to life and preach good news to the poor.
Most of the world went on as usual, undisturbed and unaware that the Savior had come.
But that didn’t stop heaven from descending to Earth. It didn’t stop the Word from becoming flesh. It didn’t stop three wise men from bearing gifts to the Christ-child. And it didn’t stop heavenly angels from heralding the coming of the King.
“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.
And the angel said to them, ‘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. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths 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 among those with whom he is pleased!’” (Luke 2:9-14, ESV).
This is the cosmic story of the salvation of the world. It’s the greatest story ever told.
And it’s why we celebrate Christmas. Christ, God come to earth, has come to save you and me, to forgive our sins if we confess them, and to establish His Kingdom which will last forevermore.
Despite the trials and troubles of this life – and despite our own sin – we live with hope, waiting for the return of our Savior. He will come to make all things new and set things right. Then we shall see Him whom we love, and whom we long for.
Sin will be abolished. Justice shall triumph. Mercy will be given. Creation will be renewed. The dead will be raised. And those who receive Him shall join Him in life everlasting, where peace, joy and love will have no end.
That is good news indeed.
Merry Christmas!
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, ESV).
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