Liahona, ‘The Promised Messiah,’ December 2022 “During His ministry, Jesus made no distinction between rich and poor, male and female, young and old, healthy and infirm. He did not shun those of different faiths or cultural backgrounds. He loved everyone. He loves everyone. … A popular Christmas carol implores, “O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel.”
We may not be captive in Egypt or Babylon, as were the ancient Israelites, but we are captive nonetheless—captive to sin and death. And like Israel of old, we hope for deliverance. The birth of “a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11) heralded the fulfillment of that hope. That is why we sing of Bethlehem, “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” … (more…)
