Many refer to this season as the most wonderful time of the year. It certainly is an exciting time. We will celebrate Christmas in a few days. For the Christian, our minds are filled with images of that faithful night when Christ was born. We imagine Christ being lovingly wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. We consider the angelic host appearing to the shepherds in the field and their obedient worship that followed. We consider the wise men coming from afar, following the star that guided them precisely to the home of the young child, Jesus. We celebrate the birth of Christ, keenly aware that as we celebrate His birth, we are the recipients of the gift.
Christmas is indeed a wonderful time of year, but we must not leave Christ in the manger. He did come as a humble babe, but He grew into a man. The birth of Christ had purpose. It was a miraculous event, but there was much more to come. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. We know that Jesus came to provide redemption for fallen man. He came to offer Himself the sacrificial atonement for humanity.
The crucifixion brings great emotion and praise from the hearts of believers. We know it was there He fulfilled the redeeming work He came to accomplish. However, we must not leave Jesus on the cross. Had He just been born, although from a virgin womb, and merely died upon the cross, there would've been little difference from others who lived and died. As we consider the wonder of Christmas, we must also consider the empty tomb. Had there been no resurrection, our hope would be in vain. In coming forth alive from the grave, Christ emerged victorious over sin, death, and hell. His resurrection sets Him apart from all others. We will celebrate the birth of our Savior this week, and as we do, may we also celebrate the risen Lord.
Preacher Chris
Christmas is indeed a wonderful time of year, but we must not leave Christ in the manger. He did come as a humble babe, but He grew into a man. The birth of Christ had purpose. It was a miraculous event, but there was much more to come. John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world. We know that Jesus came to provide redemption for fallen man. He came to offer Himself the sacrificial atonement for humanity.
The crucifixion brings great emotion and praise from the hearts of believers. We know it was there He fulfilled the redeeming work He came to accomplish. However, we must not leave Jesus on the cross. Had He just been born, although from a virgin womb, and merely died upon the cross, there would've been little difference from others who lived and died. As we consider the wonder of Christmas, we must also consider the empty tomb. Had there been no resurrection, our hope would be in vain. In coming forth alive from the grave, Christ emerged victorious over sin, death, and hell. His resurrection sets Him apart from all others. We will celebrate the birth of our Savior this week, and as we do, may we also celebrate the risen Lord.
Preacher Chris
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