FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:

CHRIST THE LORD

Luke 2: 8 - 20

During this Christmas season it would be profitable if each of us would listen to the angelic announcement of the birth of the Christ and make a positive response to the title of Lord, that was giving to Him at the time of His birth.

In our sentimental consideration of the baby who was born in Bethlehem to be our Savior, we might miss the title that provides us with a clue to understanding the means by which Jesus is to be the Savior of humankind.

There are few word in our religious vocabulary that have suffered a greater loss of the original meaning that the world LORD. We said it as if it were nothing more than a given name. In reality it is not a name; it is a title. To use it as a name is to misrepresent its significance.

We need to understand the meaning of LORD, in order to properly respond to the person whose birth we celebrate at this season. To neglect or to refuse to respond to the implications of this title of our Savior is to deny WHAT he came to accomplish in our lives.

The word LORD comes from the Greek word KURIOS that has a variety of meanings: FIRST - Kurios/Lord was the normal address of respect in everyday. In English the term is Sir, in French Monsieur, in Spanish Señor, etc.

SECOND - Kurios/Lord was a title of authority. By this title a distinction was indicated between the Master and a slave. The Master/Kurios could command the ener-gies and efforts of his slaves. He could buy a person as a slave, and he could sell a slave that he owned to someone else. The slave was at the disposal of his Master/Kurios.

Jesus used this word to distinguish the slave from his master, when He said:

“No servant can serve 2 masters; for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

This title Kurios/Lord which the angels ascribed to the Babe who was born in Bethlehem, indicated that He was One who would have the right to command. Many of us have failed to recognize and to respond to this fact.

The captain of a ship had the right of command. At his command the ship departs from port, and at his command the ship follows a course to his chosen destiny. The captain is Lord/Kurios.

The angelic announcement said: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” As we guilty of rebellion against Him who God ordained to be our Lord and Master?

THIRD - Kurios/Lord is used to describe absolute possession or ownership. In announcing the Jesus Christ is Lord, the angels were actually introducing Him to us as the owner of all things.

In John’s Gospel we read: “He came unto his own, and his own received him not.” Jesus came to His own people, and they refused to recognize Him and respond to Him. Israel’s tragic response to Jesus has been repeated over and over through the centuries. When the Lord is rejected and humanity is left to his own resources, humanity loses his proper perspective.

FOURTH - Kurios/Lord was used to denote one who served as a guardian. In the ancient world legal rights were denied to women as individuals. To engage in any business or contract or to hold possession of property a women had to have a guardian. The guardian could be the husband, a brother, or possibly a more distant relative. By means of a guardian the rights of the unfortunate were protected. Jesus Christ is our guardian, he has promised to be with us throughout all of our days and in all of our ways.

FIFTH - Kurios/Lord was the standard title of the Roman emperors. To be Lord implied dominion, power, and authority. By means of this title the Emperor issued orders and decrees. When he issued a proclamation or an order, he would sign it with his signature and the title of Kurios. This title summed-up his authority in the same way that a president serves by virtue of his office and a police officer serves by virtue of his vow and uniform.

The angelic announcement of the Christ child’s birth contained the idea that Christ was to exercise this kind of authority over the souls of men/women.

After knowing all the meanings of the word Lord, are we able to say to Jesus, from the bottom of our hearts. YOU ARE MY MASTER, and I will be obedient to you as a devoted slave?

Can you honestly say: YOU ARE MY OWNER, and I will let you occupy every portion and position of my life?

Can you say: YOU ARE MY GUARDIAN, upon whom I depend for protection and guidance?

Are you willing to say to Him: YOU ARE MY EMPEROR, and because you loved me enough to die for me I want to be faithful to you in living a life dedicated to the growth of your Kingdom?

If we are to really observe this Christmas in a proper manner, we must surrender our lives to JESUS, who is LORD AND GOD.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Pastor Dora