‘Joy to the world, the Lord has come!’ Those are the first words of a well-known carol speaking of the message of the angels to the shepherds as they cared for their sheep on the hillside outside Bethlehem. The announcement of the angels that “to you, today, is born a Saviour” is the greatest and most welcome news that a person could ever receive. That is why the angels said,
“we bring you good news … of great joy … for all people …
YOU HAVE A SAVIOUR”
During these days of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have got used to politicians making announcements. But do we ever really take notice and understand all that their conflicting and sometimes contradictory advice and rules to be obeyed mean in practice? Recently, I heard a politician say, with great emotion:
‘We have a saviour!’
He was speaking about the new vaccine that had just been authorised to be given to prevent us from catching Covid. The response from many people has been amazing: ‘It’s good news, the end is near!’ … ‘I am over the moon!’ … ‘I am ecstatic!’ … ‘this will save us from death!’ There has been a release of joy and happiness, of celebration and applause, of thankfulness and appreciation, as people welcome the vaccination with open arms, excitedly expecting life soon to return to normal. But will it … really?
What is a saviour? A good definition is ‘a person or substance that saves someone or something from danger or difficulty’. It appears that the vaccine may well fit that definition, but there are many questions: … who will receive the vaccine? … will we have to receive more than one dose? … how long will it last? And many people worldwide are saying they will refuse to take the vaccine … is that wise or foolish?
But let us return to the even greater Good News that the angels declared to the shepherds that first Christmas so long ago, which is very similar to what the angels said to both Joseph and to Mary:
“You will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus”
“… you are to give Him the name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins”
Covid-19 is a disaster which is shaking the whole world, no one is unaffected, and the vaccine may well be an answer. But the even greater disaster which affects every individual that has ever been born, worldwide, is that we are all eternally separated from the Lord God Almighty because of our sin, rebellion and refusal to obey His good commands for how we should live and take care of His wonderful creation.
But the real Good News of Christmas, which is relevant all year, for all people is this:
“God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son,
so that everyone who believes in Him will not die but have eternal life.
God did not send His Son into the world as its Judge but as its Saviour”
When it comes to the vaccine for Covid-19, we each can choose to receive or to reject what is offered.
A similar choice has to be made for the Saviour of the world … to receive or to reject what He offers.
Our Lord Jesus Christ, the ONLY SAVIOUR OF THE WORLD, personally offers to each one of us:
Love … Joy … Peace … Hope … Forgiveness … Life
………. FOR EVER ……….
How can anyone refuse such a wonderful, free offer of salvation?
Whatever your situation this Christmas, I pray that you will know the great love, joy and light of the Lord Jesus, our Saviour, flooding into your life and circumstances.
Ron Brickman