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The world naturally, because of sin and unbelief, walks in darkness and dwells in the land of the shadow of death, as Isaiah declares. Yet, into that darkness and death, Christ came, born of the virgin Mary, and has brought us life and we behold the glory of God in the face of Christ. As Jesus humbly was born for us, so He humbled Himself to death on a cross to save us from sin, darkness and death. To you, a Child is born; to you a Son is given: Jesus.

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Suddenly confronted by angels, the shepherds were in terror. That's what sin does: makes us afraid of that which is pure and holy and from God. We are afraid because of the judgment we deserve and are afraid we will get. But the angels weren't bringing a message of judgment, but of comfort and joy because God had sent our Savior into the world, Christ the Lord. Jesus' incarnation, life, death and resurrection frees us from fear of death and judgment. The angel's message to the shepherds is also for us: "Fear Not, for a Savior has been born for you, Christ the Lord.

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Irael in its Babylonian Captivity received God's promise of a coming King who would effect their release, assure their peace and bring them to their true home.  Jesus fulfilled the prophet's word as He rode humbly into Jerusalem to the cheers and welcome of the crowds.  He rode toward the cross to bring about the world's redemption.  This world, for God's people, is our Babylonian Captivity; it is not our true home.  Yet we have God's promise that, when Christ comes again in His glory, He will release us from our captivity and bring us to our true home.  As such, living in the here and now, we are "Prisoners of Hope" - dare I say, captivated by hope, anchored in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

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As the prophet Zephaniah warned Israel of the coming judgment, so he pointed them to the assurance of their rescue and restoration by the One who "is mighty to save." While God's people would have to endure these things, they were assured that He will save them. So we today, as His Christians, know how God has saved us: through His Son, Jesus Christ. Though we may have to endure the judgments that come come upon this nation and the world, we still can rejoice in our ultimate rescue by our Savior, Jesus Christ.