The Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord - December 25, 2011

The Church Season of Christmas
Christmas Day
Our Savior Lutheran Church, Midland, MI (December 25, 2011)
One Year Series

Readings:  
    Micah 5:2-5    
    Titus 3:4-7                   
    Luke 2:1-20           

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Grace, mercy and peace be to you from the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen

The text for today is as recorded in the Gospel Lesson from the 2nd chapter of Luke, especially the following verses:

The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

It is always exciting when Christmas Day falls on a Sunday, we celebrate the birth of Christ on the traditional day of His birth.  How glorious is that?  Regardless of the calendar date, we celebrate Christ’s birth as the shepherds did that first night.  It is indeed glorious.  Glory to God in the highest are is the words the angels spoke. Glory is a common word occurring over 400 times in the Old Testament. It is a description of God's awesome splendor and holiness. He is the God or King of Glory. Sinful man could not behold this glorious God. Moses feared when God appeared in glory. In the New Testament "glory" is used in to describe God's visible revelation of Himself to man. When the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds they were afraid. But he said: "Fear not for I bring you good news." The revelation of God’s makes men unafraid. By faith we look forward to the glorious appearance of the great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself in our stead. When God became man, man believed in his glory although he could not yet see it. As scripture notes, "We beheld His glory," "We were eye-witnesses of His glory." The Apostles saw Him transfigured, revealing the glory of God. We see God's glory in Jesus' miracles. Jesus and the Father glorified each other when Jesus died and rose for us. "Glory to God in the Highest" means that Jesus is your Savior. Now His is the glory. When we die we shall be glorified. Romans.

And the angels spoke of peace on earth, and we often heard the saying, “peace, peace but there was no peace” When man fell into sin there was no peace between man and God and no peace among men. Sinful man is dead in his sins but he is worse than dead because he is at war with God and man. Man causes wars and rumors of wars. But Jesus says: "Do not be shaken, for these things must be, but the end is not yet." Awful things will happen. But the Angels proclaim: "Fear not. There is peace on earth." Peace is not a state or a condition. God wills peace for the whole creation. But when you have the peace of God you will have strife with yourself, friends, co-workers, or relatives. But even then you have peace with God. For Jesus says: "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled nor let it be afraid." And, "I have said these things to you so that in Me you have peace. In this world you have tribulation.

Luther oft repeated this peace of scripture for the comfort of others, “But be cheerful, I[Jesus] have overcome the world." Though we were dead in sins, the Chris child makes us alive, forgiving us all our sins. He wiped out the handwriting against us. He nailed our sins to the cross. Christ Jesus is our peace. He is the king of peace. His gospel is the gospel of peace. The peace of God, Christ's gift, protects us. Justified by faith, we now have peace with God through Christ.

And let us not also forget, good will toward men.  Have you ever thought about all the talk of the magic of Christmas as revealed in the eyes of a child?  And as we grow older we lament the loss of that kind of feeling for Christmas.  But, God's good will, who is His Son is also hidden to the wise but revealed to the babes. The arrogant world does not know the Son. Yet the repentant sinner does know the Son. Why did you become a Christian? Because of a decision? No, no. But only because of the good will of God's saving will in Christ Jesus. Because of His good saving will God will’s you in Christ Jesus to save you eternally.

We set aside holidays and special days to reflect upon the Glory of God.  In Christ His glory is here for you, each and every day.  We needn’t do a thing to receive it.  In Christ there is peace on earth.  Not because sinful men lay down their arms, but because Christ laid down His arms on the cross.  There Jesus gives us the promise of eternal peace.  In freely giving us His Son Jesus Christ God shows us His good will toward men.  Glory, Peace, and Good Will.  Brought to you this day not by the efforts of men, but by one baby boy born this day who is the very Son of God.  Look as you may for this gift under a tree or in the machinations of man and you will not find it.  This baby boy is a different gift, it is THE gift of God, the One who finds you.  This baby Jesus finds you and brings you to Glory, gives you everlasting peace, and delivers you to rest with Him in the presence of His good will for time everlasting.  Amen.

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

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