See Bulletin Video The time of waiting for the birth of a child is a time of anticipation on the part of parents-to-be—with the exception of those who choose to abort (kill) the child in the womb. The season of Advent is a season of such anticipation as we await the celebration of the birth of the Savior who 2014 years ago was born in Bethlehem. With the arrival of Christmas the Advent anticipation of Christ-believers turns to fullness of joy as the Savior of the world was born according to prophecy. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7: 14). The unidentified virgin of Isaiah is revealed to us in Luke when the angel appeared to a young virgin. Mary was told, “And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son and shall call His name Jesus” (Luke 1:31). Immanuel (God with us) was given a personal name defined to Joseph, both as to meaning and purpose, upon the announcement to him of what was about to occur, “… That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she (‘Mary, your wife’) will bring forth a Son and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1: 20-21). The anticipation of Christ’s birth, and the joy of Christmas is fulfilled in the heart of all who recognize their sin, and who recognize that JESUS WAS BORN TO DIE... so that we would LIVE! God provided a substitute for Isaac; there was no substitute for Jesus. He was the Substitute! Jesus acknowledged this and rejoiced to do the will of the Father in our behalf though He knew exactly what this meant. “Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour” (John 12:27). Man was created to live forever. By his sin, he earned death and condemnation (Romans 6:23a). Jesus was born to die and restored life (Romans 6:23b)—the grandest exchange ever. That is what Christmas is really all about. Rejoice! We eagerly anticipate the celebration of the birth of our Savior and rejoice at His birth, even as we await the grand finale of which the Lord has told us, “…To those who eagerly wait for Him, He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:28). It is sad and unfortunate that the real reason for the joy of Christmas has been co-opted by the crass commercialism that has been yoked to Christmas. We do well to pause and refocus each Advent and Christmas season to keep the seasons in perspective: Rejoice, for thy salvation, O Israel, draweth nigh. O Zion, bring oblation, your King comes from on high; Comes not in royal splendor, no crown bedecks His head. But as an Infant tender, laid in a manger bed. He comes, the Lord all-glorious, with healing in His wings; He comes to reign victorious, all life and hope He brings. He comes to end death's terror, to triumph o'er the grave, To blot out sin's dark error, and ransomed souls to save. -Adapted from CLC Pastor Emeritus Daniel Fleischer (Fridley, MN)