How will you share God’s greatest gift with others this Christmas?

The Gospels of Luke and Matthew depict a beautiful illustration of the birth of Christ. There was great anticipation amongst the Jews at this time, that the Messiah would come. The stringent Roman laws imposed had them eagerly awaiting his coming. They were awaiting a conquering king who would free them from the tyranny of their Roman rulers. Idolatry, as it had been before their exile, was rampant in the land.

God, through Moses, laid the foundation of the Jewish law to demonstrate that the law could not save them. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death,” therefore, strict adherence to every aspect of the law was required. Breaking just one precept is to break the entire law. Under the law, the people needed to understand that nothing they could do would ever be enough. They needed a savior—a redeemer. In this context, a redeemer is “one that goes and sets the captives free.” Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). Under the burdensome requirements of the Pharisees, the people were in bondage from the law (Matthew 23:4).

God’s timing was strategic and purposeful as prophesied in Daniel 9:25. This is the reason God the Father sent his Son to the world (John 3:16). Jesus came humbly into the world as a baby boy, born of a virgin, to fulfill the prophecy (Isaiah 7:14). Jesus was the only perfect one to set the captives free. He lived a sinless and blameless life so that he could redeem us from the requirements of the law – separation from God and his wrath. Jesus was the ransom for our lives; the Redeemer sent by God, to fulfill the law, so that we can become his adopted sons and daughters. God cares so much for us and loves us unconditionally that he promised to save us (Genesis 3:15). Salvation is a gift offered to anyone willing to accept it.

During this Christmas season, let us reflect on the greatest gift of all, Jesus our Savior and Redeemer. May our eyes be forever focused on our Redeemer, as we celebrate that because of him we have hope for eternity and have been adopted into the family of the King of Kings. No other gift can compare to the most treasured gift ever – Jesus, our Redeemer.

Reflecting on these truths, how will they influence your Christmas celebrations?

Father God, thank you that you loved me so much that you sent your only Son to redeem me. Jesus is the most wonderful and precious gift I have ever received. I have been given freedom through him, and because of him, I now have hope for eternal life. As I celebrate Christmas this year, I will not forget the sacrifice Jesus made for me. My eyes will be focused on my greatest gift of all, my Savior. I pray that as I celebrate this Christmas season that your light will be manifested to those around me so they too, can come to know your Son and be redeemed. Amen.                                                                                                   

Scripture References:

Isaiah 53:5; John 1:4; Romans 8:3; Colossians 2:8; 1 Timothy 2:6