Its Christmas Eve. Today we stand on our tiptoes and stretch our necks to peek into the manger where God in the flesh lays -the long awaited Messiah- who's birth we celebrate tomorrow. In this holy Child we see God's gift to man. It is the gift of our salvation. Jesus is the One who has established the peace of God that surpasses all understanding. Jesus is the One who established peace between God and man, not a peace that the world gives, but peace of forgiveness of sins and the peace of righteousness. In Him we have the assurance of our complete salvation and our place in heaven.
No wonder the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Then a host of angels sang, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!"
He who lies in the manger is your peace with God, my friends. Trust Him and never let go of your salvation!
A blessed Christmas Day to each one of you!
-Dale
"Hark the Glad Sound! The Savior Comes"
by Philip Doddridge, 1702-1751
1. Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes,
The Savior promised long;
Let every heart prepare a throne
And every voice a song.
2. He comes the prisoners to release,
In Satan's bondage held.
The gates of brass before Him burst,
The iron fetters yield.
3. He comes from thickest films of vice
To clear the mental ray
And on the eyeballs of the blind
To pour celestial day.
4. He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace
To enrich the humble poor.
5. Our glad hosannas, Prince of Peace,
Thy welcome shall proclaim
And heaven's eternal arches ring
With Thy beloved name.
The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn #66
Text: Is. 61:1, 2; Luke 4:18
Author: Philip Doddridge, 1735, cento
Composer: Thomas Haweis, 1792
