Day of Redemption

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. "This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased." When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." Luke 2:8-15

As we continue to wait for Jesus’ return to Earth, we can only imagine what it must have been like for the people to realize their Deliverer had finally come. As we see from the account in the Gospel of Luke, the shepherds were surprised to see the angels that night. They got the news from the angels and went straight to Bethlehem to see this new King who didn’t come in the form they were expecting: He came as a baby, a gentle, tender baby who was resting on a pillow of hay when the shepherds came to worship.

Their day of redemption had come! Christ, who came into the world to save it, was born and the Earth rejoiced. As this hymn says, earth’s darkness is gone! The prophecy from Isaiah had come to fruition.

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. Isaiah 9:2

Jesus truly brought Light to the world. He is the True Light.

There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. John 1:9

Hail! Hail! Day of Redemption! Jesus’ birth and death saves us from our life of sin and makes us His children. We are adopted as sons, hallelujah!

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

Day of Redemption
Words by Flora Kirkland

The day of redemption hath come with a song—
The song of redemption from sin so strong.
The angels first chanted it over a hill;
As Christmas returneth it echoes still.

Refrain
Hail! Hail! day of redemption!
Hark the angel chorus rings!
Hail! Hail! day of redemption!
Bow before the King of kings!

Redemption most wonderful! Gift from the sky,
Redeemer most gentle, so low to lie!
O herald so glorious sent from above,
To speak to the shepherds of God’s great love.

O marvel of tenderness! Marvel of light!
The King from the glory, so wondrous bright!
Is resting all quietly, pillowed on hay,
And gone is earth’s darkness! Behold! ’tis day!