by Klaus Detlev Schulz
“Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23). These words spoken by the angel of the Lord to Mary fulfill one well-known prediction made in the Old Testament in Isaiah 7:14. Indeed, Christmas celebrates the birth of the Saviour of the world, a day when we are reminded that “God is with us” (Immanuel).
We are a step closer to celebrating His birthday. The fourth candle has been lit. The anticipation is almost over. And as we contemplate the angel’s words to Mary, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness. Not only has He spoken through the prophets announcing the coming of the Lord, but He also kept his promises in the coming of His Son, our Saviour. His Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
“Behold,” John, the Baptist called out to the sinful world, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” May the world hear and come to the knowledge of the truth that their sins have been taken to the cross and that there they were redeemed. In Jesus, God’s intentions to save the world have become real. God’s love became manifest for all to see and hear: the eternal Son of God is placed in a manger, travels the path to the cross, rises from the grave victoriously, and ascends to heaven, opening access for us to the Father. Without Him we would all remain in darkness and be eternally lost.
Now He rules the world as the King of glory—but He came into His world on different terms as a human being, leading a lowly life indeed that brought humiliation, death, and resurrection. Yes, a King of glory, but He chose to live amongst us and become one of us: “Immanuel”. He was a victim before He became the victor (victor quia victima). That is the answer we give to the question raised in the hymn: “Who is the King of Glory, how shall we call Him?” (LSB 211). He is the one whose birthday matters, and we are looking forward to it with joy.
Therefore, let us remind ourselves, our members, and our dear ones that God has given us His “yes” in the sending of His Son. Speak of it in your sermons and deliver His salutary gift of forgiveness in confession and absolution and in the Lord’s Supper. Thereby the light of Christmas will shine into our own lives and hearts. God is with us. To Him be all glory and thanks.
Let us pray: Dear heavenly Father, in Your Son Jesus Christ You have made Your predictions and promises come true. In Him You have given us Your true and clear intent to save the world. We come before You in gratitude and bow down before the manger and before the cross. Make us truly thankful this season and fill our hearts with joy and praise to You for having given us the Saviour of all nations. In His name we pray. Amen.
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Rev. Dr. Klaus Detlev Schulz is General Secretary of the International Lutheran Council.
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