John 1:14 (NIV)
The Word (Jesus) became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father full of grace and truth.

It is pretty hard to contradict an eyewitness testimony and not just one eyewitness to Jesus’ life and birth, but several hundred. As John says in this verse ”We have seen His glory!"  This reminds me of Luke 2,  the shepherds saw our tiny baby Savior’s glory right from the start!

Luke 2:8-11, 16
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks by night an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in a manger.

You have to love the fact that God sent the angels to reveal the birth of Jesus first to lowly shepherds just doing their jobs at tending their flocks in the fields.  He didn’t send them straight to the religious leaders in Jerusalem, but to humble men doing an honest days work.   As you can imagine the shepherds were more than a little terrified when the angels appeared to them.   Anyone would recoil in terror at the night sky suddenly becoming bright and shinning with heavenly beings, but the angel soon comforted them and told them to “fear not”.   Then he broke the news that a Baby has been born nearby in Bethlehem, and not just any baby, but the Christ/Savior of the world. 

The angel has given a theology in miniature version:
First He is the Savior, which is expressed in His name Jesus.
Then He is Christ, the anointed of God, the Messiah of Israel.
Finally, He is the Lord, God manifest in the flesh.

So off they went and found Jesus, the long awaited Messiah, right where the angels told them He would be.  The Lord of glory came to earth and revealed to these lowly shepherds.  God is still revealing Himself to common people today. He did not send Jesus to die just for kings, rulers, and religious leaders.  He sent His one and only Son to this earth to die for ALL (John 3:16).  Anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and His bloodshed for the forgiveness of their sins becomes a child of God and joint-heirs with Christ.  

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved,through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that NO ONE can boast. 

Happy Birthday Jesus and Thank You for coming to this wicked world and dying for my sins. Thank You for loving me and redeeming me to God.  You're the Author and Finisher of my faith, my King of Kings, and Lord of Lords and I want to openly say I appreciate everything you've ever done for me, to me, and with me to help me keep my eyes on you. I ask that you continue to move me how you please. I am your willing participant in this relationship,  Amen!