Today, the cusp of Christmas Day, is an unusual day in the church. That’s because we can have a difficult time discerning as to whether today is the fourth Sunday of Advent – or is it Christmas Eve. Well, that’s a great question. The answer is “both” – this morning we celebrated the lighting of the 4th Advent candle and yet this evening we are celebrating the night before Christmas – Christmas Eve.
Many churches have tried to set the expectation of their congregations. For those of us who go to church, we should be attending twice. This morning, it was all about Advent – and tonight was all about the expectation of the birth of Jesus. It is clear in the church world that these are two absolutely different events.
After all, the fourth Sunday represents peace – the peace that will come with the arrival of Jesus. Some churches focus on Mary and the impending birth of her son. The purple candle is even called the Angel candle – representing the fact that the birth of Jesus was announced by the angels who came to visit the shepherds in the fields.
Throughout this Advent season it is important to remember that Advent means “coming.” That’s what we have been about this month – the coming of the Savior of the world.
One of the things that we tend to forget about the events surrounding the birth of Jesus has to do with the arrival of legions of angels on the earth. In reading the Bible are we made aware of the multitudes of angels that are present when God takes on human form and enters our earthly realm.
After all, we know from the book of Job that Satan was present on the earth and, in fact, considered it his dominion. A part of the Christmas story that we rarely think about is that not only was Jesus born this night, but it was also the start of God invading the stronghold of Satan. The angels in the fields announcing the birth of Jesus, the warning to leave and seek shelter given to Joseph; later in His life, the time of Jesus in the wilderness and the temptations of Satan – these were all accompanied by angels. In fact, an angel even approached Mary letting her know that she would have a child… So you see, all the events surrounding the arrival of Jesus were filled with appearances of the heavenly host.
Jesus could have called upon angels at any moment – yet He chose to deal with Satan Himself. Never, before or since the arrival of Jesus on earth, have there been as many appearances of angels or the spiritual warfare that occurred on the earth. And as you already know, Jesus gave up the prerogatives of deity when he was present of earth – He lived a human life while maintaining his divinity – fully human and yet fully divine.
I wonder if this phenomenal appearance of angels had to do with the anger of Satan at the coming of Jesus to earth. So, the birth of Jesus represents far more than the coming of our Savior – it represents the invasion of Jesus to eventually banish Satan to eternal separation and for those of us who believe in Jesus, to enjoy eternal life – free of strife, worshipping God throughout eternity without further fear of Satan.
Admittedly, although we know the eventual outcome, we are still dealing with the temptations of Satan and a fallen world today. Have hope! We know the outcome – God will prevail and we are marching toward undeniable victory. It all started when a baby was born in a manger in Bethlehem – a most unlikely place for the Savior of the world to arrive. But that’s what we celebrate tonight….
Our verse this Christmas Eve is one of the most quoted verses surrounding the birth of Jesus. It is the announcement of the arrival of the Christ child to the shepherds in the fields. We are told by the good doctor Luke, in Luke 2:8-14, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (KJV)
My encouragement this evening is that the hope of the world is born this evening in Bethlehem. Hallelujah! My prayer is that we will reflect on what this means in our individual lives and and the eventual peace and joy that we will experience when Satan is vanquished for all time. Merry Christmas! And have a great day in the Lord, grace and PEACE…