Jesus was born into this world to be our Savior and Lord. “And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21). The birth of baby Jesus would be meaningless if He had not grown up, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross for the sins of the world!

Yet every December the world wants to worship baby Jesus -- born in Bethlehem, wrapped in swaddling clothes, placed in a manger because there was no room in the inn, with shepherds in the field watching their flocks by night (Lk. 2:4-8). Yes, all of this is true, wonderful and amazing! But why?

When the angel of the LORD appeared to the shepherds he said to them: “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” (Lk. 2:10-11). Focus on those key words for a moment: Savior, Christ, Lord. If you never think past the baby in the manger, then you will never come to the saving faith concerning Jesus of Nazareth!

Jesus came to save us from our sins -- have you been saved from yours?

Jesus came to be the Christ, or Messiah, the King of Israel. When He died on the cross, Pilate placed the inscription: “King of the Jews” (Lk. 23:35-38). But in reality, He is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:14-16)! Jesus admitted to being the Christ, the Messiah of Israel, the King of the Jews (Matt. 27:11; Mk. 15:2; Lk. 23:3). What does this mean? When Jesus died and rose from the dead on the third day, showed Himself alive again by many infallible proofs (Acts 1:3), He ascended into heaven where He was crowned King of kings by the Ancient of Days (God the Father) (Acts 1:9-10; Dan. 7:13-14). He now sits on the throne of David in heaven (Acts 2:30, 36) and reigns as the Christ! Is Jesus your King as you are subject to His rule?

Jesus came to be Lord, and indeed is the Lord over all the earth (1 Tim. 6:14-16). He reigns over His church (Eph. 1:22-23), and He reigns as well over all principality, power, might and dominion (Eph. 1:21). Is He the Lord of your life?

by Wayne Goff via the Roanridge Reader, December 19, 2010. Volume 25, Issue 51, page 1.