Notes of Faith December 19, 2025
What Kind of Saviour?
For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
For five hundred years before the advent of Christ, the Jews had lived under the heel of foreign governments. Following the Jewish captivity in Babylon, the Persians controlled Judah, followed by the Greeks. After the death of Alexander the Great, his generals divided up the Middle East leading to rule by the (Greek) Ptolemies, then the Seleucids. Beginning in 166 B.C., a Jewish revolt against Greek rule resulted in a Jewish (Hasmonean) state which was crushed by Rome in 63 B.C.
Given this history, it is no wonder the Jews were looking for a deliverer—a savior—by the time Christ began His ministry. When the angels announced to the Bethlehem shepherds that “a Savior” had been born, they could have wondered, “What kind of savior?” An angel of the Lord clarified the meaning of “Savior” to Joseph: “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Not save them from the Romans or others but from their sins.
The most important salvation every human needs is salvation from sin. Make sure you have received the salvation Christ offers.
Oh, happy day, that fixed my choice on Thee, my Savior and my God!
Philip Doddridge
This is a recording of the original music and lyrics (not recorded in the 1700’s)
https://sl.bing.net/cCy0DXoTlfg
Paste this link into your browser, click watch at the top right of the image. It will play an advertisement and then the hymn. This version is not what I learned and sang in church but the sentiment of heartfelt faith are definitely the same as when it was written.
The day we came to recognize our sin and agree with God that we are sinners in need of a Savior and placed our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is indeed a happy day. It was the day that darkness and death ended and the light of glory and eternal life was given to us. May you be blessed in discovering the faith of saints from human history and the songs that they sang giving thanks to God for your Savior!
Luke 2:8-14
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 "Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Pastor Dale