The birth of Jesus was announced to shepherds who were watching their flocks in the fields. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and said, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
Why is Jesus so popular at this time of the year? People who otherwise never express their religious beliefs will acknowledge Jesus around Christmas time. Many churches are having special events to celebrate the birth of Christ. Nativity scenes are found in homes, yards, greeting cards, and even as decals on cars.
Why is Jesus so popular this time of the year, when the remainder of the year He isn’t? Everyone loves babies, and at Christmas time people picture Jesus as a baby. Babies don’t exercise authority over others. They don’t judge or condemn others. Babies make people smile. It is easy for most people to like baby Jesus, and I think a lot of people would prefer that He remained a baby.
Baby Jesus grew up into the threefold description that was given to the shepherds. He became a Savior, Christ, and Lord.
The word savior is from the Greek word sooteer which means a deliverer. In a general sense, a savior is one who helps or delivers people from peril. The Jews looked for and anticipated a deliverer, but they expected deliverance from Roman occupation. Jesus came to deliver us from the bondage of our sins (John 8:32-36).
Christ is from the Greek word christos. This word means “the anointed one.” It is comparable to the Old Testament word Messiah. The Jews were looking for the Anointed One, but they had misconceptions regarding the nature of His mission.
Lord is from the Greek word kurios which refers to one who is “supreme in authority” (Strong). “He to whom a person or things belongs, about which he has the power of deciding; master” (Thayer). “Lord” was not an honorary title, but indicated a master who possessed authority (Luke 6:46).
This description of who Jesus would be was a stark contrast to what the shepherds found in Bethlehem. “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12). He was not to be found in a palace being attended to by servants. He wouldn’t even be found in a house or an inn. He would be found in a stable, wrapped up in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough.
Like all other babies, Jesus grew into an adult. He fulfilled the work the Father had given Him, surrendered to the cross, and overcame the power of death in His resurrection. Because of His obedience, the Father gave Jesus the right to become our Savior (Heb. 5:8-9) and made Him both Lord and Christ (Acts 2:36). This Jesus has “all authority” (Matt. 28:18). His teachings expose the darkness of man’s sin (John 3:19-21), call us to repentance (Luke 13:3), and will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). Those who prefer to remain in their sins don’t like this Jesus. They’re alright with the harmless baby in the manger, but prefer not to be reminded of the Sovereign Lord with an army of angels coming to judge the world.
Jesus is the Christ. He is the Messiah that God sent into the world. Jesus is Lord. He possesses all authority over us, whether we acknowledge it or not. Jesus wants to be your Savior. He has paid the price for your sins, and offers deliverance as a free gift, but salvation must be accepted on His terms.