He Came

 

"Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2: 10-11 NKJV

 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17  NKJV

 

Merry Christmas to all who read this post! I don't know where the time has gone, but here we are celebrating the birth of Jesus again. 

 

It seems like only yesterday that I was writing a blog entitled "Christmas: Past and Present." During our 2011 Christmas Eve celebration with the children, grandchildren, and extended family members, my husband had asked each of our four children to take turns reading a portion of what I had written.  I was unaware that this was going to be a part of our evening. However, it was apparent that my written words were as meaningful to everyone present as they were to me. Being the sentimental one in the family, I cried as each adult child read their assigned part. :) This Christmas Eve, we plan to read about the birth of our Savior from Luke, Chapter 2.

 

I have posted a song above entitled, "He Came", by Tommy Walker.  Our church choir, praise team, and orchestra presented a beautiful rendition of this song today in the service.  I am so thankful that Jesus came and that God sent His only Son to the earth just for us! Jesus was God; yet man. He lived a sinless life while on the earth. However, the Bible says that He was tempted in every way that we are (Hebrews 4:15). Therefore, He can relate to the joys and the trials that we go through.  

 

Through God's plan, Jesus' humble birth in a stable, His ministry, His death on the cross, and His resurrection were necessary for the redemption of mankind. Jesus was the atoning sacrifice for our sins--past, present, and future. To know what love really is, just look at what He did for us on the cross. None of us are deserving of the depth of His love. But, that's what grace is all about!!

 

Hanging there on the cross, Jesus got what He did not deserve, so that we, who do deserve death, could have forgiveness of our sins and enter into relationship with Him. That relationship is what the Christian faith is all about. Knowing Jesus as our Lord and Savior gives us hope (assurance) of a future life--nothing like the one we have now. This hope of eternal life that we have within us is found in the many promises of God's Word. His resurrection conquered death, left the Holy Spirit to live within us and to guide us in our walk of faith. Through His Word, we are given the assurance that one day we will be with Him in heaven.

 

I pray that you will be filled with God's love, peace, and joy; and that each day throughout the coming year, you will find room in your heart for Jesus Christ. 

 

PRAYER:  Dear God, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.  Thank You for a plan to redeem the souls of man.  We know that You love us, because we are Your creation.  Help us to live our lives in such a way that we project the love of Jesus to everyone around us. Help us to stand firm in our faith, for we know that You want us to finish well in our walk of faith here on earth.  Give us strength and Your Spirit to direct us in every aspect of our lives, giving up our own desires for Yours.  These things I humble pray in the name of Jesus Christ.  Amen.