Today’s verse is a brief summary of the Good News of the Gospel. It tells us of the birth of Jesus, the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

Jesus was born “this day.” It was the right time (Galatians 4:4): the beginning of salvation. He was born “in the city of David,” Bethlehem, the place prophesied for the Messiah’s birth (Micah 5:2).

His name, “Jesus,” indicates why He was born. The name means to “save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). He is our Savior.

Though no longer clothed with the glory of heaven, but “in strips of cloth” (Luke 2:12), the child of Mary was nonetheless “Christ the Lord.”

“Christ” comes from the Hebrew “Messiah” which means “Anointed One.” Old Testament leaders, such as kings, were anointed to indicate their selection and empowerment by God (1 Samuel 2:10; 1 Samuel 16:13; Psalm 2:2).

Today and every day, let us praise Jesus Christ who is the “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).