A Savior For The World... And You

TITLE: A Savior For The World… And You
DATE: December 25, 2018
TEXT: Isaiah 9: 6-7 – ESV - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;  and the government shall be upon[d] his shoulder,     and his name shall be called[e] Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and of peace  there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore..

It was in the 1800’s when a poor, little girl from London had gathered up her courage and brought together all her resolve.
Why? Simple, she was going to go to worship on Christmas Day.

It took courage because she was not dressed properly like the others who worshiped in the large congregation that day. It took all her resolve because she had never been taught the many fine points of Theology and therefore, she was embarrassed.

Truth be told, all her courage almost failed her when, before worship, she saw the fine-robed pastor standing outside the great doors of the cathedral. He was welcoming the worshipers, but she didn’t know that. Indeed, she would have slipped away and gone home if he hadn’t called out to her.

Visiting with her, he quickly shared the message of the angels: Jesus was good news for all people, including her. Then he asked if she wanted him to pray for her. Without looking up, she nodded, and begged, “But don’t mention my name.”

It was a great Christmas Day worship, and all heard of the birth of the Redeemer.

The pastor preached on how Jesus had come for all of humanity. Then, when the service was coming to a conclusion, the pastor stood before the altar and prayed: "O Lord, there is a little girl who does not want her name known, but You know her. Secure her special soul." The congregation was respectfully silent, as is proper during a prayer, but then, from way back in the sanctuary was heard a pleading, little voice.

The little girl was on her feet saying, "Please, it's me Jesus, it's me. I’m that little girl."

How close each of us are to this little child.


No matter if we are young or old, rich or poor, wise or foolish, like her, we come to Jesus, unsure, afraid, dirty, doubting and unworthy. Yet, in spite of our shortcomings, the Spirit reaches out, encourages us, welcomes us to hear, once again, the good News of great joy which has come for all the billions of people in this world.

As we gather before the manger to look at the Christ Child, we realize that He also sees us.

But His eyes do not focus on billions of people. He looks at each of us, as individuals. True man and God, He knows my sins, my sadness, my despair. Kneeling in awe of such grace each of us can whisper, “Please, it’s me, Jesus, it’s me. I’m the little girl, the little boy, You have come to save.”

And, like that little girl, we know it is so. Jesus has arrived to seek and save the Lost. He has come for all people, but ….but the Savior is especially here for me.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus… there may be many presents under the tree but You have always been, and always will be, the best Present of all. Let me always remember, You were born to save me. In Your Name I pray. Amen.  

The music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann, one of my long-ago confirmands. He is singing with three brothers. This song comes from the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html