On Christmas day, let us keep in mind the reason why we celebrate! Jesus was born and born for one reason to die for us and save us and give us Salvation. I am thankful for that, Matthew 1:23 says, and they shall call His name “Immanuel”… “God with us.”

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” — Isaiah 9:6.

Isaiah wrote the well-known words above more than seven hundred years before Christ was born. God’s chosen people had been waiting for the promised Messiah for a lot longer than they had anticipated. Finally the wait was over. God chose a human being named Mary to bring Him into the world. And God has chosen you and me to carry the truth and the love of this Christ child into the rest of the world.

Throughout the Old Testament, the people of Israel sacrificed lambs as sin offerings. John the Baptist was direct in drawing the comparison. As he saw Jesus coming toward him, he said,  Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. — John 1:29.  Then on the cross Jesus became the perfect sacrificial lamb — the perfect once-and-for-all sin offering by defeating sin by taking it upon Himself so that we have the hope of eternal life.

The birth of Jesus on Christmas day set into motion the long ago prophesy fulfilled on the Cross. This is the greatest Christmas gift you will ever receive is God’s gift to you. It is the whole reason we celebrate Christmas.  Christmas is a rescue. God came to rescue us. It is an act of humility, love, and sacrifice unparalleled in the history of the world. As you celebrate today, remember to open the gift of God.

Unwrap this gift and enjoy it every day.

 

 

Categories A Cup of Joy
 
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