Deeper Reflection
“Today” (or “this day”) is a theologically significant word in Luke’s Gospel. It frequently signals that something is about to be introduced which relates to the redemptive work of God or the arrival of the day of salvation. For example, in Luke 19, where Jesus told Zacchaeus to hurry and come down “for I must stay at your house today” (Lk 19:5), and “Today salvation has come to this house” (Lk 19:9).27 It is thus highly significant that Luke uses “today” as part of the angelic announcement of the Good News: “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (v.11, NIV). The birth of the Christ child from David’s lineage essentially ushered in salvation for members of fallen humanity!That first Christmas also ushered in a new phase of the human understanding and experience of the reality that God is with us. Jesus Christ the Son of God is God incarnate. In Jesus, God came and dwelt among His people.28 Sometime after Christ ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit came and dwelt in the disciples. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus.29 Since Jesus is “Immanuel” (God with us), we can stand firm in the face of all adversities and adversaries. We do not need to be afraid. God is with us at all times and in every situation. Jesus is our Good Shepherd who guides us with His voice.30 He is the One who stills the storm.31 He heals our brokenness and restores us to wholeness.32 Jesus tells us to take heart, for He has overcome the world.33

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²⁷ See also Luke 4:21; 5:26; 13:32, 33; 23:43 ²⁸ John 1:1, 14. ²⁹ Acts 16:6-7 ³⁰ John 10:27 ³¹ Mark 4:39 ³² Acts 3:16; 4:10. ³³ John 16:33