The Lord Has Come
A Reflection on Christ’s birth
Dr. Hulitt Gloer
During this Advent season, our candles have served to remind us that in Jesus, our Emmanuel, God is with us in our sin, in our brokenness and pain, in our hope, and in our waiting. We have been preparing ourselves to celebrate this night, this night of nights, when we celebrate with Christians everywhere and in all times the good news of great joy for all people.
Luke’s gospel put it this way: “unto you is born this day a savior who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
Matthew says “you shall call his name Jesus for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matt. 1:21) .
John tells us that in Jesus “the Word (God) became flesh and pitched God’s tent among us.” (John 1:14)
Centuries before that night in Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah had spoken of his coming saying, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. On those living in a pitch dark land, the light has dawned.” (Isaiah 9:2)
“For a child is born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Price of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
What can we say but, “Joy to the world, the Lord has come!”