The Life-Changing Christmas Story

December 2010 – Grace & Truth Magazine

The Life-Changing Christmas Story

“And there were shepherds ... keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord ... said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today ... a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:8-11 NIV

Something happens to everyone who meets the Savior, because an encounter with Jesus is an encounter with the living God. Consider these four examples.

After the shepherds encountered the infant Jesus, they returned to their jobs, homes and communities “glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen” (Lk. 2:20). It says they “spread the word” that they had seen the “Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:11,18).

The Magi, astronomers from the east, “bowed down and worshiped” when they encountered the Christ child. Then they “presented Him with gifts of gold, incense and myrrh” – gifts worthy of a king (Mt. 2:11). The hope of encountering the King of kings led these wise men to travel a great distance, to give great gifts, to be filled with great joy and to return home with great news that the Savior had come. They met the fulfillment of prophecy (Mt. 2:9-11).

When Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms he knew that he held the One who would bring “peace ... salvation ... light ... glory” to the world (Lk. 2:29-32). He saw in Jesus the fulfillment of prophecy.

And when Anna, a prophetess, encountered Christ in the temple she instantly “gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were looking forward to the redemption” (Lk. 2:38). She knew she had met the Savior.

What about you? Have you had a life-changing encounter with the Savior? We hope that recalling it will cause you to respond with praise like the shepherds, with worship like the Magi, with feelings of inner peace like Simeon, and with a compelling desire to tell others like Anna.

By Larry Ondrejack