In the name of Christ Jesus, dear fellow redeemed people of God,

These words are so simple. Some might read this Bible passage and think that there is not that much here. But that would be a mistake.

First, look back. When God created our first parents, they were perfect. But then they disobeyed God and became sinners. God could have condemned Adam and Eve that day, but instead he promised a Savior. That was only the first of many Old Testament prophecies that foretold the coming of the Savior.

Now, look at the present. We are not perfect. We say things that we shouldn't say. We don't say things that we should say. We do things that we shouldn't do. We don't do things that we should do. And so, God knows that we stand before him as sinners. God could rightly condemn us. But, instead God has given us Good News to proclaim:

The angels announced that good news to the shepherds long ago, on that first Christmas Eve. They said, "unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior... Christ the Lord." And that is the same message we are proclaiming this night. Jesus was born to save you!

Jesus probably didn't look any different than any other baby. He was certainly born in humble circumstances! Mary wrapped him up in strips of cloth and placed him in a feeding trough for cattle. Could this be the long-promised Savior? He seems so humble! But this was no ordinary child. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost and born of the virgin Mary to be true God and true man in one person, without any of the stains of sin. His task would be to live a perfect life for us under the Law. Then, Jesus would have to go to the cross to pay the full price for our sins. Jesus had to be true God and true man to save us. He had to be true man in order to die for us, but he had to be true God for his sacrifice to be sufficient for all. And so, it is great news to know that Jesus was born, true God and true man in one person. He was just the Savior we needed: a Savior from sin! He was born to be your Savior!

That baby in the manger was the greatest Christmas gift ever. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life." Yes, dear friends, believe in Jesus as your Savior from sin, and you too will be saved in God's judgment. Believe that Jesus came to win your forgiveness. Believe that Jesus was born, lived, suffered, died, and rose from death as your Savior!

Then, take a look at your future! By believing in Jesus as your Savior, you can look forward to spending eternity in heaven! Heavens doors are open, because Jesus was born to save you! If Christ had never been born, we would all be lost and condemned sinners. But now, because Jesus came as promised, because he was born for us, we can look forward to eternal life in heaven! That is the good news of Christmas! That is good news of great joy!

And it does make a difference for everyday life. Because Jesus was born to save you and me and all people, we have a purpose for living: to thank and praise, to serve and obey our Savior! We can be joyful in the forgiveness of sins. We can rest assured that we are at peace with God through Christ! We are comforted in life and in death.

What great news this is! Let's hear it yet one more time: "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger..." Dear friends, this Christmas night, be sure of this: Jesus was born to save you! Amen.