The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:11 (NLT)
Lord Jesus, today we celebrate the day angels “harked,” shepherds ran, and Mary treasured. For God so loved the world, he gave you—blessed Savior, Christ and Lord. We are now, and forever, filled with great joy and eternal peace.
We praise you for being born in Bethlehem, the “house of bread.” We were famished, filling ourselves at empty buffets and spending money “for that which is not bread” (Isa. 55:2). But you came as the Bread of Life, and now we freely dine at the banqueting table of your welcome and grace. Hallelujah, yes we do.
Indeed, how fitting that you entered our world in the city of David—Israel’s beloved shepherd-king. For what King David could never be, you’ve become for us—the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for his sheep, and the true King, who is making all things new.
You care for us with relentless tenderness and irrepressible might. You are the ruler of the kings of the earth—setting them up and sitting them down at your sovereign discretion. Of the increase of your government and peace, there will be NO end. Only your kingdom is unshakable and everlasting. Hallelujah, yes it is.
There is no other Savior like you; there is no other Savior but you, Jesus. You are the long-time promised and much longed-for Christ—the Messiah. Every promise God has made finds its fulfillment in you—its unequivocal and irrevocable “Yes!” You are the resolve for all our fears, the answer to all our hopes, and the balm for all our aches. Hallelujah, yes you are.
We bow before you in joyful adoration, and we dance before you with unfettered jubilation; for you are the Lord of Lords, very God of very God—presently reigning over everything, and working for our good in all things.
Jesus, as we celebrate your 1st Advent, our passion for your 2nd Advent is greatly intensified. We crave the Day when every tear is wiped, death will be done, mourning will be gladness. When will holy communion become the Wedding Feast? How long, Oh Lord? Make it soon! So very Amen we pray, in your magnificent and merciful name.
