Christmas Devotional - Day 7: Christmas is About Christ

The name says it all, Christmas. "Christ" the promised deliverer and “mas” Latin, meaning to send. I know, I know… a Catholic priest in 1038 is said to have first used the term "Christmas". However, much like the high priest Caiaphas who didn’t even know he was prophesying truth when he advised the Jews that it would be expedient that one man should die for the people (Jn 18:14), so this priest who first spoke the word "Christmas" didn’t know what he was saying. "Christ" the promised deliverer, "mas" was sent. That's Christmas alright!
 
See Luke’s record of the angelic announcement:
“Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Lk 2:10–11

Who was born that day? Three answers:

1. A Savior - that is one who has come not to condemn, but to save.
2. Christ - that is the promised deliverer. This is Him. He is the one and only.
3. The Lord - that is He has power and authority to do what He has come to do.

 
Each portion of that description of the one who has come is crucial to His mission:
He is a savior. He comes to save His people from their sins (Mt 1:21).
He is Christ - Messiah. He is the one sent from God. There is no other (Is 7:14, 9:6, 53:5,11).
He is Lord. He, sent from God, has been given all authority. Authority over sin, death, and the devil's works (1Jn 3:8/Mt 9:6/Jn 10:18).
 
Note how Christ is exalted and glorified? See how when the veil is pulled back so that we get a glimpse into the activity of heaven, we see nothing but boasting the attributes of Christ? As we set our minds on things above and not on earthly things, we exalt and glorify Christ with the host of heaven (Col 3:2) because we have been brought good news of great joy that will be for all the people. It is for us, for those who are far off and those who are near. Merry Christ - mas… Merry because Christ was sent!
 
How might you intentionally set your mind on Christ today? Take some time to dwell on each of the three attributes of Christ (savior, Christ, Lord) throughout this Christmas Day and may the joy of the Lord fill you and those with whom you share this day.