For five hundred years before the advent of Christ, the Jews had lived under the heel of foreign governments. Following the Jewish captivity in Babylon, the Persians controlled Judah, followed by the Greeks. After the death of Alexander the Great, his generals divided up the Middle East leading to rule by the (Greek) Ptolemies, then the Seleucids. Beginning in 166 B.C., a Jewish revolt against Greek rule resulted in a Jewish (Hasmonean) state which was crushed by Rome in 63 B.C.

Given this history, it is no wonder the Jews were looking for a deliverer—a savior—by the time Christ began His ministry. When the angels announced to the Bethlehem shepherds that “a Savior” had been born, they could have wondered, “What kind of savior?” An angel of the Lord clarified the meaning of “Savior” to Joseph: “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Not save them from the Romans or others but from their sins.

The most important salvation every human needs is salvation from sin. Make sure you have received the salvation Christ offers.

Oh, happy day, that fixed my choice on Thee, my Savior and my God!
Philip Doddridge