12.21.2025 | Jesus is Our Rescuer
Luke 2
The announcement of the birth of Jesus came in a completely unexpected way. Instead of announcing the birth of the Savior in the halls of power or the seats of religion, God chose for a group of shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem to be the first to hear of Christ’s birth. The announcement from angels to the shepherds watching over their flocks was significant not only because of the message they gave, but also for the people to whom it was given.
Shepherds spent their days on the fringes of society taking care of animals. Living on the outskirts made it difficult for these men to make it to synagogue and participate in the daily spiritual life of their community. Because these men constantly worked with livestock and were regularly exposed to manure and dead animals, they would have been considered unclean according to Jewish law.
It was no accident that God chose often overlooked and outcast shepherds as the ones to whom the angels would give the announcement of Jesus’ birth. This announcement was a powerful statement about the nature of the kingdom of God. God’s kingdom is for all people, and no one is outside of God’s plan to know of His love.
The long expected announcement was remarkable. Jesus had been born for all people in the city of David. Three significant titles are used here to describe why that is good news for all people. First, Jesus is the Savior—the one who rescues people from sin. Next, He is the Messiah, the anointed one of God who came to lead God’s people into God’s kingdom. Finally, He is the Lord, the ruler of all the universe.
The shepherds’ response to this glorious news included curiosity, awe, and obedience. This Christmas, may we do everything we can to see Jesus, adore Him for who He is, and boldly proclaim the truth that Jesus is Savior, Messiah, and the Lord.
