Our eyes have seen your salvation

The celebration of the birth of Jesus is a reminder of the salvation that God has given to as many as receive His Son. We have been saved to be agents of salvation. If we only choose to remember the birth of Jesus on December 25th, we lose the bigger picture. The birth, ministry, death and ascension of Jesus should be a daily reminder of His presence in our lives. The parents of Jesus, the shepherds and later all those who encountered the baby or the child Jesus knew one thing. They knew that He was no ordinary baby.

Like every first born Jewish child, the parents of Jesus did for Him all the rites required by the Law. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:22‭-‬24‬ ‭reports that, “When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” ‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭12:2‭-‬4‬,6 ‭mentions that, “Say to the Israelites: ‘A woman who becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son will be ceremonially unclean for seven days, just as she is unclean during her monthly period. On the eighth day the boy is to be circumcised. Then the woman must wait thirty-three days to be purified from her bleeding. She must not touch anything sacred or go to the sanctuary until the days of her purification are over. “ ‘When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering.”

“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:30‭-‬32‬)

So Mary and Joseph went to the temple about 40 days after the birth of Jesus to perform this rites. Right in the temple, they met Simeon, a righteous and devout man who was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and had the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to Simeon by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah (see Luke‬ ‭2:25‭-‬26‬). Simeon was moved by the Spirit to go to the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:27‭-‬32‬)

What Simeon saw in the temple several years ago is no different from the encounter we have when we receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. In fact, Simeon saw a baby who would save His people. We encounter a Saviour whose life was poured as a ransom for the sins of humanity. The baby in the manger is also the Saviour of the world. Don’t leave Christmas celebration behind believing the Baby Jesus will always remain in the manger. He is our Salvation, our eyes have seen His salvation, we have encountered and experienced His salvation. He is the Lord of lords and the Redeemer of the world. Simeon waited all his life to meet baby Jesus. We have all our lives and eternity to encounter the Saviour of the world. Instead of making Jesus a Christmas Day Saviour, make Him your everyday Saviour. That’s who He is!

He is the Messiah

Christmas Day is a special time of the year. This Holiday celebrates the birth of Jesus. Over the years, Christmas has become a commercial activity in most nations as compared to a religious celebration. The business side of Christmas has been found to bring lots of interest and revenue. Even unbelieving nations have found ways to make the Christmas celebration beneficial to their economy. From mega Christmas decorations, excessive lighting, food, drinks, gifts, Christmas is celebrated with pomp and glamour.

The celebration of Christmas goes beyond business and personal gains. When the first announcement of the birth of Jesus was made several years ago, the message was clear. Mary and Joseph after a tedious journey to Bethlehem welcomed their firstborn son in the most unusual location. According to the gospel, Mary gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. (‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:7‬). There was no pomp, no celebration, no proper lodging to even lay the baby. Yet, as the young couple cuddled their baby in the stable, Heaven ‬‬had a mega praise party. The celebration was so huge that Heaven couldn’t contain it.

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭2:11‭-‬12‬)

That same night, there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night (Luke‬ ‭2:8‬). These shepherds received the most unlikely visitor: “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:9‭-‬12‬). As if that message was not enough, “suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:13‭-‬14‬).

The announcement of the birth of the Messiah left the shepherds in awe. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”‭‭ (Luke‬ ‭2:15‬). Without delay, “they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child (‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:16‭-‬17‬).

The celebration of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. Although born in lowly conditions, Jesus lived and paid the ransom for humanity. He paid the debt of the entire world so humanity will be free from sin. As he laid in the manger, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds saw the Saviour laid in a feeding trough but in reality, the Messiah laid in a King’s bed preparing for His ultimate redemption of humanity. We are no longer slaves to sin because from the manger to the cross, our debts were paid. We are free indeed!

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New year!

Go tell everyone about Him! It is the season to celebrate

There are days we experience the unimaginable presence of the Lord. Such experiences live with us always and remind us of God’s goodness and mercy. Mary and Elizabeth had promised children in their wombs. While Elizabeth’s son was going to prepare the way for the Saviour of the world, Mary’s son was the Saviour. These two babies had a divine encounter and this encounter led to Mary’s hymn (popularly known as the Magnificat). Out of the overflow of her heart, Mary composed a song to glorify the Lord. 

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour (Luke 1:46-47 KJV). 

Mary experienced the magnitude of carrying the Saviour of the world. She praised the Lord and rejoiced in God who has given her such a privilege. She identified her humble state and rejoiced in the fact that all generations will call her blessed, “for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.”(Luke 1:48‭-‬49). It has been over 2000 years since Jesus was born. We cannot talk about the birth of Jesus without acknowledging the role of Mary.

It is now our ministry to sing hymns of praise to the ever living, always powerful Saviour. We have the Gospel handed down unto us and we are the bearers of the good news. It is a great privilege to be given the task that Mary, Elizabeth and all the church triumphant had. We have been called to proclaim to the world the saving power of Jesus. We have been chosen to go to the mountains, the hills, the valleys, the plains, the countryside and proclaim that Jesus saves. If you cannot go in person, be gracious enough to support missionaries to send this good news to everyone. Indeed, the Saviour has already paid the price for salvation. 

Go tell it on the mountains

The Saviour was once a baby

On that fateful day, as Mary greeted Elizabeth in her house, the first ever recognition of the Saviour of the world took place. It was another baby with a divine assignment to prepare the way for the Lord. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb couldn’t remain still. He had to jump for joy at the voice of Mary because even the baby recognised that behind that voice was the Word made flesh, the Saviour of the World, the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Branch of Jesus, the Light of the World,  the deliverer, and the Redeemer. What is keeping you from not sharing this great news that even a baby in the mother’s womb couldn’t keep. Let’s go and tell the world about Jesus.

Go, tell it on the mountain

Over the hills and everywhere

Go, tell it on the mountain

That Jesus Christ is born

While shepherds kept their watching

O’er silent flocks by night

Behold throughout the heavens

There shone a Holy light

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New year!

He is the true light

We began our Advent series looking at the Light of the world. We mentioned that from Genesis to Malachi, humanity tried everything possible to draw closer to God on their own terms but it didn’t work. As men and women struggled throughout the years, a prophetic message was given that “the people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.‭‭” (Isaiah‬ ‭9:2‬). Throughout the years, many people have turned up calling themselves great. Some have managed to draw huge followers with people willing and ready to do everything for such leaders. However, these were not the true light Isaiah mentioned. They may radiate some light but that is not the permanent light that leads to salvation.

Imagine following and trusting in someone that is not real? You waste precious time and resources. Unfortunately if this unreal light shuts off, everyone that follows that light is headed to a ditch. Thus, it is very important that before one makes a life-long decision to follow a particular person or join a particular faith group, you need to know what you are going for. One of the dangers of being led by a blind leader is that falling into a ditch is inevitable. The question is, what light are you radiating? Which light are you following? John the Baptist came as a witness to testify concerning that “light”, so that through him all might believe. John himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. (‭‭John‬ ‭1:7‭-‬8‬). John was quick to let his followers know that he was not the light but the messenger preparing the way for the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.

Many “messengers” have been mistaken for the light. People have put their trust in such messengers but like every other human, their lights were shut when it was time for them to return to the dust. We all need the true light, the one that shines brighter and brighter each day. John 1:13 states that
“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

The true light was and is and is to come. He is eternal and was from the beginning. He was foreshadowed in the books of the Old Testament and revealed in the New Testament. He was in the beginning as the Word and the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among humanity (‭‭John‬ ‭1:14‬). While on earth, the true light made this proclamation, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me ‭‭(John‬ ‭14:6‬). Many people are on a quest to find out the truth about life. They ignore the true light and follow paths that do not lead to eternal life. Some have committed themselves unto evil forces because of their quest to find the truth about this life. Jesus is the true light and He is the one who can lead men to eternal life.

Remember, Jesus wasn’t one of the great men who ever lived. He is the greatest of all. He is the true light that gives illumination to a blind and a perverse world. Come to the true light and be made new!

Angelic Greetings!

Angels played different roles in the life and ministry of Jesus. Angels were involved in the announcement of the conception of Jesus Christ, the announcement of His birth, His ministry, His resurrection and His ascension. Angels are messengers of God and they special assignments in the lives of believers. Whenever you see a nativity setting, there is always an angel or angels. This is a reminder of the role angels played in the birth of Jesus.

Prior to the conception of Jesus, His mother Mary received a divine visitation. It was one of Mary’s normal days. She went about doing what she does and possibly doing it with joy. The young virgin was pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David (‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:27‬). Joseph and Mary looked forward to their wedding day. However, in the Jewish culture, betrothal in itself was considered binding and the only way to annul a betrothal was through divorce. Mary and Joseph might have made plans for their wedding. They would have anticipated a beautiful ceremony full of joy and love. Mary might have had daydreams about her wedding supper and all the pomp.

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.”‭‭ (Luke‬ ‭1:28‬)

Six months prior to Mary’s angelic visitation, Zachariah and Elizabeth had received their own angelic visitation. This visitation led to the birth of John the Baptist. In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee (Luke‬ ‭1:26‬). Angel Gabriel was sent to the house of Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.” (‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:28‬). The young Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be (‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:29‬). I am not sure of the appearance of the angel but I believe it would have been so awesome that Mary knew at the spot that she had encountered a divine being. “Why would an angel bring me this kind of greeting?” Mary would have pondered over it. Knowing her concerns, the angel replied,

“Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”‭‭ (Luke‬ ‭1:30‭-‬33‬)

How is that even possible? Mary was still a virgin. Mary asked a legitimate question, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”‭‭ (Luke‬ ‭1:34‬). The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God (Luke‬ ‭1:35‬). In faith, Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. (‭‭Luke‬ ‭1:38‬). True to the words of the angel, the Greetings were no ordinary Greetings for Mary was found to be with a child. The Word of God was made manifest in the life of Mary and the Seed of the most High God began to grow in her.

When Joseph saw that his betrothed wife was pregnant, he was concerned and “because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.‭‭” (Matthew‬ ‭1:19‬). Before Joseph could initiate his plans, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”‭‭ (Matthew‬ ‭1:20‭-‬21‬).

As Mary and Joseph walked to Bethlehem to be counted, they might have pondered over this, how a Greeting led to a conception. They knew that Mary was carrying no ordinary child. A baby so powerful, so divine, and yet so humble to be in the womb of an ordinary girl. This Christmas, remember that you can also be a channel of hope to someone. Send words of encouragement, prayers and support to those who need it. A Greeting card can go a long way to change someone’s mood. Be a messenger that brings good news of the salvation of God. “Greetings, you who are highly favoured!”

He was from the beginning

In Genesis chapter 1, the profound origins of our world unfold with the resounding declaration, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). The poetic imagery paints a canvas of formlessness, emptiness, and darkness, yet amid this cosmic void, the Spirit of God hovers over the waters. A closer examination reveals the plurality within the divine, as the term “Elohim” implies a Godhead involved in the creation of heaven and earth.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ‭‭(John‬ ‭1:1‬)

The revelation becomes even more explicit in Genesis 1:26, where God declares, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.” The use of “us” hints at the multifaceted nature of the divine, revealing the understanding that God in Genesis 1 is not a singular entity but a complex unity. This sets the stage for the New Testament revelation of the triune Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—existing before the world began.

The enigma deepens when contemplating the incarnation of the Son. The question arises: If the Son has always existed with the Father, how does the eternal Word become a vulnerable baby? John 1:1-5 provides clarity, presenting the Son as the eternal Word of God, integral to the creation of all things. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This Word, the Son, was not only present at creation but actively involved in shaping the cosmos.

The paradox of the Son, the Word incarnate, unfolds as we shift our gaze to the manger. The same Word that spoke galaxies into existence now lies in the arms of Mary and Joseph. The Creator of the world becomes a helpless baby, dependent on earthly parents for care and nurture. As Mary and Joseph cradle the newborn Jesus, they hold the One who has always existed, now manifesting in the vulnerability of an infant.

The implications are staggering—Jesus, as the Word in the beginning, took on flesh and dwelt among us. The Creator entered His creation, veiling His glory in the humility of a manger. The cries for milk, the need for attention, the dependence on parental support—all embodied by the infant Jesus—underscore the profound mystery of the Incarnation.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us not merely revel in the heartwarming scene of a baby in a manger. Instead, let us grasp the profound truth that the baby in Bethlehem is none other than the eternal Word, the Creator who spoke the world into existence. In the midst of the festivities, may our hearts resonate with the awe-inspiring reality that Jesus was from the beginning—a truth that transforms the simplicity of a manger scene into a profound revelation of divine love and sacrifice.

The Ruler shall be from Bethlehem

The prophecies concerning the Messiah are scattered in the Old Testament like puzzle pieces. Each piece is connected to another piece and on the whole, the beautiful story of God’s plan for humanity is revealed. Taking just one piece might not be enough to reflect the whole story of the Messiah. The people of Israel knew that the different stories connected with one another to bring forth God’s master plan. The people knew that God’s Messiah for Israel will definitely be from the tribe of Judah, the lineage of David. However, the people looked forward to a warrior Messiah, a fighter who would lead them in battle and win over all their enemies. But, God’s plan was an incarnate deity, a baby born in lowly conditions and one who will understand their infirmities.

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭5:2‬)

The prophet Micah had prophesied that the ruler for God’s people will come from Bethlehem: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭5:2‬). It was no coincidence that just before the baby Jesus was born, a decree was made authorizing all people to go back to their own towns to register. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:1‭-‬3‬ states this, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.” The urgency of this decree propelled Joseph and his wife Mary to make the long journey to Bethlehem. ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:4‭-‬5‬ ‭states that “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

The decree from Caesar Augustus wasn’t just random. To connect the puzzle pieces concerning the Messiah, a decree had to be made that would bring forth God’s plan; and the baby who will be the ruler had to be born at Bethlehem to fulfill prophecy. Neither Caesar Augustus nor the parents of the child Jesus knew that the decree was part of God’s agenda. The parents of Jesus had a hard time finding a logging place in Bethlehem but all this was God’s plan to reveal a bigger picture to humanity. On that fateful evening, as the shepherds watched their flocks, and Joseph and his bride found themselves a stable to rest for the night and to welcome their new baby, all the pieces of the puzzle joined together. Jesus was born in Bethlehem in fulfillment of prophecy.

The celebration of Christmas is not just a celebration of food and gifts, it is a period to ponder over and consider God’s bigger plan for humanity. The Ruler from Bethlehem was also a baby born in Bethlehem to redeem humanity from the clutches of sin.

He is a the Branch from Jesse

King David, the second king of Israel received a promise from God. These words of prophecy came after David’s plan to build a house for the Lord. In ‭‭2 Samuel‬ ‭7:16‬, God promised David that “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭89:3‭-‬4‬ ‭quotes this as follows: “You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to David my servant, ‘I will establish your line forever and make your throne firm through all generations.’ ” David, the son of Jesse, was the least in his father’s house. Even when the prophet Samuel requested that all the sons of Jesse should be brought forward, David wasn’t. He was left to cater for the sheep. Thus, David had no real honour in his own father’s house.

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.‭‭ (Isaiah‬ ‭11:1‬)

The God of heaven sees beyond our present situation. Therefore when David was anointed king, his kingdom was established by God to last forever. How is that even possible? God had a plan. In Isaiah’s prophecies concerning Israel and God’s Messiah, he mentioned that “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.”‭‭ (Isaiah‬ ‭11:1‬). The Branch was no ordinary Branch. According to Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭11:2‬). This description of the Branch shows how He will operate in the full dimension of the Spirit of God. As the people read Isaiah over the years, they might have expected this Branch of David to be a great and wise King.

In God’s infinite wisdom, He chose the least expected couple to bear this Branch. Mary was betrothed to Joseph and before they could come together, Mary was found to be with a child. Joseph’s initial reaction was to put her off but after God had spoken to Joseph through His angel, Joseph took Mary as his wife but did not consummate their marriage until the Son of God, the Branch of Jesse was born. Although Jesus was born with no pomp and circumstances, the baby in the Manger was full of the Spirit of God. He was the one all the nation of Israel was waiting for. For hundreds of years, they prayed and waited for the Branch, the stump of David. However, the people missed it when Jesus was born. Their expectation was a warrior not a helpless baby born in a Manger.

Till date, some Jews have refused to see Jesus as the promised Branch. Even though Jesus had finished His work on the cross and His kingdom has been established as a lasting kingdom, some Jews are still waiting for Him. Such an irony! What they waited for and prayed for for years was given by God but they refused to see Him and recognize Him as the long awaited Branch of Jesse. The reason the whole world celebrates Christmas is a reminder that on one lonely night far away in Bethlehem, a Son was born. The Branch from Jesse who restores all things and brings humanity back to God. If Christmas is just about funfair, food, Santa Claus, and every other thing except the celebration of the birth of Jesus, then it is good enough to be one of the many holidays.

‭‭Isaiah saw a day coming. ‬ On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious. (Isaiah ‭11:10‬).

He is our High Priest

In the Christian faith, priesthood is very important not only for the equipping of the saints but also for a representation of the people before God. That’s why in many churches, rigorous training and equipping are offered to people who will become the priests of the church. Different denominations refer to priesthood in different names but all these different names are geared towards an ultimate goal. The apostle Peter also revealed that in Christ, priesthood extends to everyone who believes. In ‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9‬, he states that “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” Our priesthood gives us the access to perform some priestly duties including interceding for our sins.

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. (Hebrews 4:14)

The head of the priesthood is the High Priest. This line of communication officially begun with God’s selection of Aaron as the High Priest of Israel. Subsequently, the tribe of Levi was chosen by God to perform priesthood duties in Israel. According to Hebrews 5: 1, “Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” ‭‭This responsibility was performed with all due diligence that unauthorized fires to God led to the death of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1), the sons of Aaron. Prior to the Levitical priesthood, we were introduced to Melchizedek king of Salem. He was the priest of God Most High (Genesis‬ ‭14:18‬) and the first to receive tithe from Abraham. The priesthood of Melchizedek predated that of Aaron and it was a priesthood without end. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:6‬, quoting Psalms 110:4 mentions that, “And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

The reference for Hebrews 5:6 was none other but our Lord Jesus Christ. He has become our great High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, a priest forever. Jesus’ priesthood duties began while He was on earth. “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission.” (Hebrews‬ ‭5:7‬). As man, Jesus did not just live anyhow. ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭5:8‭-‬10‬ points us to the fact that although Jesus came on earth as the Son of God, He also learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. Thus, Jesus’ High priesthood overrides the Levitical priesthood. By extension, all who come to Him, He “has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.” (‭‭Revelation‬ ‭1:6‬).

As Mary wrapped her newborn baby with swaddling clothes, she was actually holding an eternal High Priest, one whose priesthood is forever. He might have been a helpless baby, but He was born a priest, learned obedience and submission by the things He went through and is seated at the right hand of the Father (Luke 22:69). Unlike the Aaronic High Priest who needed to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people (Hebrews‬ ‭5:3‬), Jesus, our sinless and perfect High Priest, intercedes for us alone. Imagine the joy in heaven as the angel informed the shepherds about the birth of Jesus, the need for blood sacrifices was done with. For Jesus our great High Priest did not enter the Most Holy Place by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:12‬).

A reminder that the birth of Christ began our journey to eternal redemption should be a focus this Christmas. A perfect reminder is this: “Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” (‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭9:27‭-‬28‬). Is the High Priest the centre of your Christmas?

He is a Prophet

Moses the prophet whom God used to redeem the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt was a man of exceptional qualities. He was born at a time when Hebrew or Jewish new born baby boys were supposed to be drowned in the Nile River. However, he escaped miraculously and grew up as the Prince of Egypt. Similar to Moses, as a young child, Jesus faced a decree that took the lives of many young innocent children but God through His angels delivered Jesus and He was hidden in Egypt until the evil Herod died. The people God uses are not without challenges. Like many of us, they face their own share of life’s daily challenges,  yet, they rise above all these challenges and with the help of God, they become men and women of honour. As Moses fled Egypt, he departed as a fearful prince who had committed murder. However, he returned as a prophet of God empowered to bring deliverance to God’s people.

The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him. ‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭18:15‬)

The ministry of Moses is highly influential in the history of Israel. Till date, when the books of Moses are read in Jewish communities,  the reaction is that of honour and reverence. This is definitely so because God’s presence with Moses was so great that God spoke with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he saw the form of the Lord (Numbers 12:8). Moses received the commandments of God and handed them over to the Israelites. By the time Moses died, the disorganized people he brought out to Egypt were a nation ready to possess the lands God had given to them. At one point in time, after an encounter with the Lord, Moses’ face was so radiant that he had to put a veil on his face (Exodus 34:35). This was how God’s power was mightily demonstrated through Moses.

One might conclude that Moses was the most powerful prophet ever lived. Yet, Moses himself was aware that after him will come another prophet. Before Moses died, he told the people this: “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” ‭‭(Deuteronomy‬ ‭18:15‬). This prophecy found its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. The author of Hebrews mentioned that “Jesus has been found worthy of greater honour than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honour than the house itself.” (Hebrews 3:3). He continued that, “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house, bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.” (Hebrews 3:5-6).

The helpless baby in the Manger was also a prophet of God. He spoke the mind of God and told the people what to expect in the future. Jesus’ words were so powerful that the people listening to Him confirmed that; “He taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.‭‭” (Matthew‬ ‭7:29‬). Jesus knew exactly what will happen to Him and His followers in the future. As a prophet,  He prepared His disciples to know the times and the seasons. As we celebrate Christmas, we shouldn’t take this for granted; the baby in the Manger was no ordinary child. As helpless as He was in the Manger, He was Saviour of the world, the Son of God, the one who paid off humanity’s sins. Our prophet knows our past, our present and our future. Let’s open up to Him and allow Him to speak the words of life unto us.