Do you know what a herald angel is? It is an angel sent from God to make an announcement. Hark (listen)! The herald angel speaks this message from God to shepherds watching their sheep at night in fields near Bethlehem. The implications of the message are so wonderful that a whole angelic choir pierces the veil between heaven and earth to sing praises to God and celebrate. We are told that angels also rejoiced with delight at creation itself (Job 38:7). The arrival of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, was that astounding!

In Scripture, followers of Jesus are given room to celebrate special days or to consider each day alike (Romans 14:5). (Although, we must not participate in sin, idolatry, or witchcraft in the guise of celebration.) The beginning of Jesus’ mission, leaving his heavenly kingdom to become God with us (Immanuel), and the details of his birth and infancy, fulfilled all the prophecies regarding the Messiah’s birth. We are never commanded to observe the date of Jesus’ birth, but there was a heavenly celebration. 

The Jewish people were commanded to observe the Passover every year to remember their miraculous deliverance from slavery and death (Exodus). The Passover was a picture even then of what the promised Messiah would do: defeat death and ransom us from slavery to sin and its eternal consequences. Similarly, Jesus commanded us to observe the Lord’s supper. He explained that the bread and wine of the Passover meal represented his body and blood, and that he himself was the fulfillment of the Passover (Mark 14:22-23; Luke 22:20). This remembrance is to happen regularly rather than on one special day (1 Corinthians 23:25-26). Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection after three days defeated death. He provided deliverance, not only of our bodies to freedom on earth, but, more importantly, deliverance of our souls from spiritual death to eternal life. Mission accomplished.

If you commemorate Jesus’ birth in this season, remember these things and do not keep the King of Kings in a cradle. If we share in Jesus’ death and resurrection through repentance, trust, and surrender to him, we will also share in a resurrection like his (Romans 6:1-10). Oh, what a day that will be!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Yesterday, we gave thanks for the birth of Your precious Son. Today, I would like to take it a step further and praise You for his life, death, and resurrection, which he sacrificed for me and for all those I love. I praise my Savior for not taking lightly the path, which was set before him, that all of us who believe and turn our lives to him will be saved. Thank You, Father, for the gift of Your only Son that we may spend an eternity with You. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

This Christmas, consider taking holy communion alone with the Lord, and/or with family and friends, as you make Him a priority this season. Plan now so you will be prepared to honor Him by spending time in His presence.