The Christ of Christmas—Our Messiah
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1,4-5)
Messiah.
We tend to throw this word around at Christmas without really understanding it. There’s too much noise going on, with Santa Claus and the Grinch getting all the name recognition. You don’t even hear the word unless you’re blessed to hear bits of “The Messiah” oratorio by George F. Handel (think “Hallelulah Chorus”).
Yet we ought to speak the name “Messiah” in hushed tones. It’s a holy and precious term. In Hebrew, it’s derived from the word mashiyach, which means “anointed” or “consecrated,” a description usually reserved for kings or priests.
For those living in ancient Israel, the promise of the Messiah—the kingly Son of God—transcended the centuries. He would be the Anointed One. Our Righteousness. The Christ. According to the prophecies of the past, the Lord of the heavens Himself would come to deliver His people out of darkness and into His glorious light.
Isaiah described the One to come as the Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The people of His kingdom longed for Him to save them from darkness…from evil and captivity…from themselves.
But God’s beloved children were losing hope. By the time Jesus was born, there had been no word from the prophets for four centuries. That would be the equivalent today of not hearing God’s prophecies about the coming Christ since 1625.
The Israelites had prayed and waited, with no sign of their Redeemer. Would they forever live under oppression?
And then…a glimmer of expectation. The priest Zechariah, at the birth of his son John (the Baptist), proclaimed the Messiah would soon be raised up as their horn of salvation.
The Light of the World was on His way to our sin-stained Earth, to bless those whose eyes were opened to see His truth. He would become our Savior, to forgive our sins and give us abundant, eternal life. This was breathtaking news!
Do we hear the word Messiah nowadays and recognize its effect on our time in history? Do we really comprehend the massive impact of the birth of Jesus Christ?
His arrival on earth set in motion the events that would lead to His death on a cross—and His victory of resurrected life over death. He is still the Messiah for us today, present in our lives as our anointed Savior and Lord.
Friends, let’s open our eyes and hearts this season to see the wonder, the awe, and the excitement in that first Christmas, when Jesus came in astounding brilliance and majesty as our promised Messiah. Let’s worship Him in humility, giving honor and praise to the King of the ages. Let’s speak His name with reverence.
Let’s sing hallelujah to His name! The Messiah has come!
Gracious Lord Jesus, make me reverent in Your presence this Christmas. You, the Son of God, have come to bless me here as Your child. I fall to my knees in humble adoration for all You have done for me, for Your forgiveness of my sins, for Your salvation and love. Thank You for coming as my Messiah, the Anointed One who has brought me hope of living in eternity with You someday—when Your holy name will be shouted in praise by all Your loved ones! Amen!
Nancy C. Williams is a Christian wife/mom with a writing career spanning more than 40 years in business and journalism. Williams is the author of the novel To Love a Falcon and the devotional book A Crocus in the Desert: Devotions, Stories, and Prayers for Women Experiencing Infertility. Her blogs are featured on Crossmap.com and AriseDaily. To follow Nancy’s posts and news, go to her home page at NancyCWilliams.com and subscribe at the bottom.
© Copyright 2025 Nancy C. Williams (text and photography). Unless otherwise noted, Scripture verses are taken from the New King James Version®, Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. #Messiah #anointed #consecrated #handel #king
