The angel tells Joseph that this child will “will save his people from their sins.”
The Jewish people were awaiting the Messiah. They had visions of a greater version of King David. One who would gather the twelve tribes into a greater kingdom than what had been in David’s time. They wanted to see the Romans kicked out. They wanted a new earthly power not subject to any others.
Today, when we think of a savior, we might think of someone who will eradicate human suffering. We might look for someone to eliminate all injustice from this world. Important, yes. But, most important?
Here, the angel says that he will save his people from their sins.
This is what God wants for us. This is what God wants us to understand as most important. Freedom from sin and restoration of our relationship with God is why we were sent a savior.
We are his people. We belong to God. We do not belong to ourselves or to our own desires. We do not fulfill our purpose in doing our own will, but in doing the will of God.
Is God what is most important in our life? Is our relationship with God the most important relationship in our life? Do we seek healing from sin as much as we seek healing from physical illness or injury?