December 25: Isaiah 61:1-2a / Luke 4:16-22a

Each Christmas, our hearts and minds are drawn to a familiar scene: shepherds watching their flocks, angels filling the sky and a manger holding a baby wrapped in cloth. But behind that familiar story lies something much deeper, a mission fulfilled.

Long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the prophet Isaiah spoke of the One anointed by God’s Spirit to bring good news to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, and to proclaim freedom for the captives. Seven hundred years later, in a small synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus stood up, unrolled the scroll, and read those very words. Then He declared, “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). With that sentence, Jesus announced that the long wait was finally over.

The birth of Jesus was not the beginning of God’s plan; it was the unveiling of it (Ephesians 3:3–6). The Child in the manger was the same Messiah Isaiah had foretold, anointed to heal what sin had broken (Isaiah 53:5). 

As we celebrate this Christmas, may we remember that it’s not just a story from long ago, it’s a reminder of what God is still doing today. The same Jesus who read the scroll still heals the brokenhearted, still sets captives free, and still restores those who come to Him in faith.

This morning, as we rejoice in His birth, may our hearts be filled with the same hope the angels proclaimed: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.” (Luke 2:14)

Pastor Bob Stewart
Family Worship Center (Assembly of God) – Sturgeon Bay



Merry Christmas!

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