C is for Christ
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."Luke 2v11
The birth of Christ the Lord was announced to the shepherds . Read about it in Luke 2v1-20.
Christ means 'Anointed One.' Kings were anointed in the Old Testament to become the rulers of their nation. God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power (Acts 10v38).
Christ is the Greek word for Messiah (John 1v41). The Jews did not recognise Christ as their Messiah and they crucified Him.
H is for High Priest
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession."Hebrews 4v14
"Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus."
Hebrews 3v1
"For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."
Hebrews 7v26+27
A high priest in the Old Testament had 2 important roles:
1. To offer sacrifices for the people
2. To intercede to God for the people
Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins. He only had to do this once. He has taken all the punishment for our sins and there never needs to be another sacrifice for sins (Hebrews 9v28; 10v12+13).
He is heaven now presenting His blood to God for us (Hebrews 9v12+24).
Christ ever lives to make intercession for us (Romans 8v34; Hebrews 7v25).
R is for Redeemer
"For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."Job 19v25
The word 'redeem' has the idea of 'buying back' or 'paying the price.' Slaves were bought for a price and they could then be given freedom from captivity. Christ has redeemed us by His precious blood. He has paid the full price to deliver us from the slavery of sin.
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace."
Ephesians 1v7
Christ gives us eternal redemption (Hebrews 9v12).
I is for Immanuel
"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."Isaiah 7v14
Immanuel means 'God with us.' Jesus was born of the virgin Mary. He is God's Son. He is truly God and truly Perfect Man. God the Son came to earth to save us from sin. Hence, He is God with us.
S is for Saviour
"The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."1 John 4v14
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2v11
"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners."
1 Timothy 1v15
Jesus means Saviour
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
T is for True Vine
"I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
John 15v1+5
In the midst of all your feasting this Christmas, perhaps you would stop and think about The True Vine. Read John 15v1-16.
We must abide in Him (Jesus) if we are to produce spiritual fruit for His glory. We can do absolutely nothing without the Lord.
M is for Mediator
"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus."1 Timothy 2v5
As we consider Mary and Baby Jesus this Christmas, remember that Mary is NOT a mediator between us and God. Christ is the ONLY Mediator between God and men. Our access to God is through Jesus Christ alone on the grounds of His shed blood.
A is for Alpha and Omega
"I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty."Revelation 1v8
Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet. Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet. Read the context of this verse and you will see that it is Christ who is speaking. Christ is the beginning and the end; the first and the last.
He is, He was, He is to come. This shows He is eternally the Almighty. He has Sovereign control over everything - past, present and future.
S is for Shepherd
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
John 10v11
The shepherds came to visit Jesus when he was born in Bethlehem (Luke 2v8-20). They were actually visiting the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God. No wonder they rejoiced and went telling it all around.
There are many other Names and Titles for the Lord Jesus Christ. You can search them out for yourself. I have just given these as a simple acrostic of the word 'Christmas'. However, I would love you to think this Christmas:
Is Christ your Messiah? Is He the Anointed One in your life? Is He your Great High Priest? Have you ever accepted His forgiveness as a result of His atoning death? Is He interceding for you in heaven? Is He your Redeemer? Are you redeemed by the precious blood of the Lamb? Have you accepted Immanuel as your Saviour? Are you abiding in the True Vine, bearing much spiritual fruit for His glory? Are you trusting Christ as the Only Mediator between you and God? Is He your Alpha and Omega? Do you follow the leading of the Good Shepherd?
May you have a lovely Christmas.
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