FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2011

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

December 25, 2011

As we rejoice in the birth of Jesus, we are mindful of who he is--Savior, Messiah and Lord. But we must be mindful as well of his call to us as his disciples.

This year the Lord gave us our theme from the book of the prophet Isaiah. “My God is now my strength!” (Is 49:5). The larger context was Isaiah 49:1-7, comprising the second of four “Servant of the Lord” oracles. The ultimate fulfillment of these prophecies is Jesus.

Now we too are servants of the Lord. As such, we are to follow in his footsteps, we are to continue his work of salvation, we are to be like him in holiness, we are to follow him to the cross, we are to rise again in glory. Thus we have looked at Isaiah 49:1-6 as strikingly descriptive of our very own history and work in CFC-FFL.

God gave Jesus his name even before he was conceived in Mary’s womb (Lk 1:31; Is 49:1), and God destined him to do a mighty work that would show His glory (Lk 1:32-33; Is 49:3). He would be the Savior of the world (Lk 2:10-11; Is 49:6).

Today we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. Mindful of our calling, we hear what the angel said to the shepherds: “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.” (Lk 2:10-11).

What is the birth of Jesus to us and to the whole world? It is good news of great joy. It is the greatest news ever. The Savior has been born! The angel proclaimed this incredible good news to the shepherds, intended for all the people (Lk 2:10b). That is what the shepherds did. This too is what we need to do. We must proclaim this good news to the whole world.

Whenever there is a great manifestation of God and His work, we can be “struck with great fear.” (Lk 2:9). Indeed, in this work we will face opposition, challenges, oppression, persecution, betrayal, suffering and pain. But the angel tells us what he told the shepherds: “Do not be afraid” (Lk 2:10a).

It is simply a moment of great joy and wonderment. A Savior has been born to us! Just like the shepherds, let us glorify and praise God for all that we have heard and seen (Lk 2:20). And know that there is also “a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God” (Lk 2:13).

Have a blessed and Spirit-filled Christmas.