Luke 2:1–20

Mary had a little Lamb…what a simple story with life-changing implications! Mary’s little Lamb is none other than the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Jesus is not only the promised King for whom the ancients long awaited and who came to save His people from their enemies, but He’s also the LORD who is worthy of all worship and praise and honor…and obedience.

The heavens erupt in praise at His coming, and the shepherds can’t help but rejoice. The people are amazed, and Mary ponders. So what will you do?

Do you know Jesus as Savior and LORD? If not, today I want to invite you to take that first step. Jesus came as Savior, the Hero and only One who can rescue us from sin and death by dying in our place, and who by His resurrection, offers us new life when we believe in Him. Good news of great joy! If you are going to experience the joy of Christmas, it has to start with the joy of knowing Jesus as Savior.

If you do know Jesus as Savior, are you serving Him as LORD? I hope so. If not, then who are you serving? Who or what is “lord” of your life? Who or what do you love more? Father John of Kronstadt (John Sergiev), a Russian Orthodox priest greatly beloved for his charity and wisdom, said this, “The enemy of our salvation especially strives to draw our heart and mind away from God when we are about to serve Him, and endeavours to adulterously attach our heart to something irrelevant.” Sound familiar? Whoever or whatever that irrelevant thing might be for you, you won’t experience the joy of Christmas, the joy of your salvation, until you make it right, until Jesus has your affections.
There is only One King of kings and Lord of lords…only One is worthy of our worship. Only He can bring true joy.

Spend some time this week, like Mary, pondering the good news that the King has come…He’s come to rescue us, He’s come to save us, He’s come to give us true peace and joy, He’s come to give us new life, and He will never leave us or forsake us. Then share that good news of great joy with someone else.

pro rege

This post is based on a sermon from our Advent series: The Promise of Christmas. Download the podcast at: Central Christian Church Main Service, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X or Threads: @ccclancaster. You can also download our Central Christian app in the iTunes App Store.