The New Day

Isaiah 62:8-12 The Lord has sworn by his right hand and by his mighty arm: “Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, and never again will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have toiled; 9 but those who harvest it will eat it and praise the Lord, and those who gather the grapes will drink it in the courts of my sanctuary. 10 Pass through, pass through the gates! Prepare the way for the people. Build it up, build up the highway! Remove the stones. Raise a banner for the nations. 11 The Lord has made proclamation to the ends of the earth: “Say to the Daughter of Zion, ‘See, your Savior comes! See, his reward is with him, and his payment accompanies him.’” 12 They will be called the Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord; and you will be called Sought After, the City No Longer Deserted.
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Luke 2:10-14 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.”
 
ISAIAH prophesied a new day to come to Jerusalem, that is, to God’s kingdom. God declares his people are his own. No evil, no Satan, no enemy will invade his Paradise. All his redeemed will enter into his kingdom. The King will come to meet his people, and there will be eternal peace on earth for his church – the true believers in Jesus Christ. 
   That’s why each day we celebrate, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.” God’s redeemed city requires a Redeemer. On that first Christmas day, a new day began in the world. It was God’s next step in the fulfillment of his plan to restore the world into his holy perfection. On another day at the beginning of the Passover week, Jesus entered Jerusalem to the praise of his faithful followers. On another day he was crucified, died and buried as the Passover Lamb who would take away the sins of the world. On another day Jesus was raised to life, and he ascended to heaven. Then the new day dawned in heaven and earth to advance the kingdom of God. Now Jesus prepares for the final glorious Day of the Lord.
   On that day all will be made new. 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives 12 as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 13 But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
   The prophets foretold of Jesus’ saving work. Jesus completed his saving work. The apostles affirm Jesus’ saving work is for all who believe. This is why each day we celebrate Jesus come to earth. Are you in Christ this Christmas Day? This day was meant for you and all who believe. Amen.
 
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for your Holy Word to reveal who you are to us. I pray we know, believe and live into your eternal gift. Amen.