This is the best event that ever happened on earth.

It is my absolute favorite historical event. It is about when Mercy came to earth. We need mercy. Compassion, forgiveness, understanding-grace: what human would turn them down? And if this mercy comes from God, there is no mercy more full, real, everlasting or perfect. This event brought mercy for all who seek it. 

Just think, mercy in a manger.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told… Luke 2:8-20

Jesus, Son of God-Creator of the Universe-King of Kings-Lord of Lords…left heaven to become Mary’s son in a manger. He came because God so loved the world. He came that you and I might have the favor of God. No other gift compares. No other gift brings eternal life wrapped with it. It is grace, mercy, the blessing and love of God in a perfect package: Jesus.

The shepherds needed mercy. The shepherds heard the angels sing mercy!

Blind Bartimaeus cried for mercy. Jesus heard him and gave it…his sight and forgiveness of sins.

You and I need mercy. Jesus died on the cross for us…and the world. His mercy never expires.

Dear friend, mercy is the gift we need at Christmas.

You see Jesus did not come only for the glorious spectacle of uncountable angels singing “Glory to God in the Highest.” He came to heal the sick, the blind, the deaf, the lame and the rest of us dead in our sins.

Christmas is mercy’s beginning. Easter is the grand finale. Jesus died for the sins of the world and on the third day he conquered sin and death and rose again. Right now, He sits at the right hand of God. One day He will return to earth to judge the living and the dead.

Don’t be deceived, this is not science fiction fantasy.

Yes, mercy is the gift we need at Christmas. And, Christmas and Easter go together. The glorious mercy of God was completed on Easter when the baby who lay in a manger hung as a man on the cross to save us from our sins. This is the greatest mercy the world has ever known. It started at Christmas.

Your package was delivered long ago in a manger.

Merry Christmas dear friend. To open your package…whisper Jesus.