At Christmas we tend to think of Jesus as a meek and mild baby. Yet, the angel let the shepherds know that more than an ordinary baby was born that day. In addition to being a Savior, the Messiah, the angel identified Him as the Lord. As we consider the significance of Jesus being called Lord, what response can we have but to celebrate Him at Christmas and always.
We Celebrate Him as the Lord our God
The angel used one of the names used of God the Father. God Himself came down to earth. — “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).” (Matt. 1:23) This is the Child prophesied in Isaiah 9:6.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We Celebrate the Lord as our Maker
As our Creator, He has the rights of ownership over us. We were made for Him, not the other way around.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. (Jn. 1:1-3)
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. (Col. 1:15-16)
We Celebrate Jesus as our Master
As Lord, Jesus possesses the authority. He is the Master, the One who determines how life should be lived. He is the One to whom we are accountable. And so, …
whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col. 3:17)
We Celebrate the Lord as the King
When announcing Jesus as the Lord, the angel let the shepherds know that the meek and mild baby born that day was also the long awaited King. Though initially a spiritual kingdom, there will come a day He will return and physically reign as the “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isa. 9:6-7)
A Christmas Celebration that Lasts All Year Long
All of this translates into Someone to be respected and revered, trusted and obeyed, honored and exalted. That’s who the angel proclaimed to the shepherds –“a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Lk. 2:11).
And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil. 2:8-11)
Let’s celebrate our Lord this Christmas and always! He is worthy to receive all “praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever” (Rev. 5:13).