Jesus, the Messiah
Scripture Reading — Luke 2:1-14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:14
When Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, the angel of the Lord announced to the shepherds who were keeping watch over their flocks nearby, “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 the Messiah, the Lord.”
Jesus, meaning “Savior,” is the name the angel had told Joseph to give him (Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:21). And Christ, or Messiah, meaning “Anointed One,” points to his mission as the deliverer of God’s people, the true King who rules in righteousness, reigning wisely and doing what is just and right in all things (Jeremiah 23:5-6).
The Father had promised him, and the prophets had announced him. The festivities and rituals of the Old Testament pointed to his arrival and his mission. Christmas is the celebration of eternity being realized in time, of heaven coming to earth, of God becoming human, of the Son of God becoming Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah.
This Jesus is the hope of all the nations and Savior of the world. He is living water to the thirsty and bread from heaven for those who are starving. He wields the power of God in the church, in the universe and throughout eternity (Ephesians 1). He is our refuge, our peace, the reason for our hope.
Do you know him?
Thank you, Lord, for the love you have shown in the humble birth of Jesus, our Savior. In him our hope is renewed. In Christ we praise you. Amen.
About the author — Hernandes Lopes
Hernandes became the Portuguese ministry leader for Today's sister Portuguese ministry in 2010. He also serves as the director of the organization Luz Para o Caminho (Light for the Way), an organization formed in partnership between ReFrame and the Presbyterian
Church of Brazil. Hernandes has authored more than 160 books and is a popular and respected conference speaker in Brazil. Hernandes graduated from Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul in Brazil and earned a Doctorate of Ministry from Reformed Theological Seminary in
Jackson, MS.
Hernandes and his wife, Tinha, have two adult children.
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