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Once again the truth of Jesus’ coming is remembered at this time of year. But, how do we remember His coming into the world? Decorations inside and outside our homes? Fancy foods, special meals, family and friends gathering together? Parties? Gifts of all shapes and sizes? The coming of Jesus had none of these effects and encumbrances.
Jesus Christ was born with all the limitations and restrictions of an infant. The Creator God becomes as one of His creations, a helpless baby. The humility and miracle of Jesus’ birth are beyond our greatest and wildest imaginations. God Himself became flesh! The Son of God took upon Himself our nature - becoming muscles, tissues, blood and bones - and lived among His creation.
WHY did Jesus come into this world? His mission in this world was to “save sinners” - those who could not save themselves.This truth divides mankind. People don’t want to hear about being ‘saved’ any more today. That emphasizes the point “If I must be saved, then I must be lost!” Someone might say, “What do you mean ‘lost’? I know where I am! What am I ‘lost’ in?” Not only lost, but also “dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1), from which only Jesus Christ can rescue you.
Sin is that which separates us from God. It is the willful, as well as the ignorant, breaking of God’s Word, His laws and His commands. “All unrighteousness is sin,” (I John 5:17). “Whatever is not of faith is sin,” (Romans 14:23). “To him who knows to do good and does it not, to him it is sin,” (James 4:17) Only Jesus, keeping God’s laws perfectly - His sinless body given as a sacrifice for sin - was acceptable to God, the Father, as the penalty and payment for sin.
Those who recognize their sinfulness and accept Jesus’ sacrifice for their sins have PAID IN FULL stamped on their account with God - written in the ‘ink’ of Jesus’ blood. “In Whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sin,” (Colossians 1:14). “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin,” (I John 1:7). “Jesus Christ … washed us from our sins in His own blood,” (Revelation 1:5).
“Why are you bringing up the cross again?” you may ask. “Why the emphasis on blood especially at this time of year?”The purpose of the birth of Jesus Christ was that He came into the world to save sinners! This meant every day He lived He was heading to the cross to die for those who would believe in Him - to save them from their sins. The birth of Jesus, to be factual and accurate, must tell the ‘rest of the story’ (as Paul Harvey says): Jesus was born to die. Jesus came to save sinners from hell - eternal punishment for their sins - to save a people from every tribe, tongue and nationality for heaven.
If you do not know Jesus Christ as your Lord, your Saviour and God we pray this will be the season He becomes a living reality in your soul and your life. If you know the Lord Jesus Christ in a personal relationship, may you realize anew the absolute indebtedness and gratitude you have to the exceeding grace of God in the good news of the Saviour, not only at this season, but throughout the New Year."For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16
"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…" Romans 3:23
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23