Luke 2.8-11
The title “Christ” is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “Messiah.” Both of these titles mean “the anointed one” or “the chosen one.” Throughout the Old Testament God’s promises—and the fulfillment of all these promises—were intended to come through one key figure: the Messiah. This person would be God’s chosen and anointed servant who would overthrow the powers of this earth and bring untold blessing to his people.
The angels appeared to the shepherds and announced that the One who was born in the neighboring town was indeed the long-awaited Messiah. Can you imagine their excitement and awe?! All of God’s promises of restoration and hope were going to be fulfilled in this infant lying in a feed trough.
Jesus is God’s anointed. For us two thousand years later, Jesus is still the Christ, the Anointed One fulfilling God’s promises. This means we put our hope and our trust in him. It can be tempting to put our hope in the things we see and “control.” Money, influence, family, and relationships are all good gifts from God, but make terrible messiahs. Only Jesus fulfills God’s promises and only in him will all things be restored.
Take a few minutes to memorize John 20.31. Use this powerful verse to remind you that all Scripture points to Jesus as Messiah and in him there is life.
