Christmas Reminds Us

Today is Christmas Eve and so our thoughts naturally return to the first Christmas day. In a small town called Bethlehem a baby was born, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. Shepherds visited Him. Wise men brought gifts to Him. A Jewish peasant woman cared for Him. A Jewish carpenter lovingly held Him. Indeed, Joseph held in his rugged hands the One who had crafted the world by His own hands.
 
The Apostle John said about the birth of the Christ child: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). So true. Jesus came to rub shoulders with the likes of us. He came to show us that He loves us. Then He proved it. The definitive demonstration of His love is found in a splintered cross on a craggy hill called Calvary. It was here that Jesus died for you and me. Sinners need a Savior. Jesus came to “seek and save what was lost” (Luke 19:10). Jesus fulfilled His loving purpose when He died on the cross for our sins and then rose from the grave for our eternal life. So the birth of Christ is about more than the nativity; it points us to Calvary and our eternal victory. Christmas reminds us how the Son of God sacrificed His life and poured out His love for us. That’s how much He loves us.
 
It was love which brought Jesus to us that first Christmas. In fact, the greatest Christmas gift ever given was the one wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. It was a gift of love. Moreover, you can receive this gift of love by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior. I hope you will do so if you have not done so before now. Invite the Christ of Christmas into your heart. Then you will truly have a Merry Christmas!
 
Devotedly yours,
 Pastor Ron