On the 7th of December at 2:30pm our world changed … forever! Judah Zephyr Sparks was born! It was a significant moment in our lives. We’ve never quite been the same since! Whilst family and friends rejoiced with us, the world continued on. It was by global standards; an ordinary, daily occurrence. A statistic! Another baby born.
It easy to forget the significance of Christmas amidst busyness, familiarity or apathy. But heaven knew what was happening on that first Christmas night. We know it was a world changing night because very rarely does heaven peel its curtain back like it did. In Luke chapter 2 we seen the incredible moments that followed the birth of Jesus.
First, an angel appeared to make the announcement of Jesus’ birth. Angels generally appear at significant moments in God’s story. But this time it’s different.
The glory of the Lord encircled shepherds as the angel speaks. The angel of the Lord announces good news of GREAT joy for ALL the people. This is cosmic good news. For all humanity. A saviour is born.
But there’s more. As if the angel of the Lord and the glory of the Lord weren’t enough; a heavenly choir erupted into song, in Luke 2:14 they sing,
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
They see the significance of the event. God is glorified, earth is blessed. Heaven has been waiting for millennia for this!
The birth of Jesus is the most significant night in human history because of what it begins. This is the beginning of God’s plan to bring peace where it had been lost. It’s a momentous night not simply because a child is born but because Jesus is God’s saviour. And by his death & resurrection Jesus would bring the peace of God to all who have faith in Him.
While heaven was loud with praise on Christmas morning. Heaven was silent on Easter Friday. Peace with God comes only as the sinless Jesus dies. Yet triumphantly, Jesus rose from the dead conquering the grave and securing us life. This is what the angels anticipated! Glory to God and peace on earth.
So amidst the busyness of wrapping up the year, unwrapping presents, the joy of family, maybe even the reminder of loss. Pause … remember the significance of the birth of our King, who came to bring peace. If you know that peace, you’ll never be the same again!
I hope you have a blessed day. Merry Christmas.
Matt Sparks
Lead Pastor