Dec 5, 2021
Scripture Reading: Galatians 4:4-7, Titus 2:11-14
A few people recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah when He was born. One of them was Anna, whom Luke said, "did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day" (Lk 2:37). Upon seeing the blessed baby, Anna began to speak "to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem" (Lk 2:38). Among the many ramifications of the coming of Christ is the idea that Jesus is the Redeemer of the souls of all who trust in Him.
There are two main ideas in the concept of a redeemer. First, a redeemer releases someone from bondage. "I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments" (Exod 6:6).
Second, a redeemer pays a price, so redemption carries the idea of ownership. "But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel, 'Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!'" (Isa 43:1).
Paul brings out a third implication drawn from the notion of Christ being our Redeemer in Galatians 4 when he says, "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal 4:4,5). Because Jesus came to be a Redeemer, those who rest in Him become children of God, by a wondrous adoption, so that believers can say "my Father" to the Almighty. This is the meaning of Christmas!