What I Didn’t Get For Christmas

Read John 3:5-17

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”—John 3:17

December 26th, the morning after. You can hear and feel the universal exhaling and relief that the gift giving is done. The novelty of recently opened gifts may have already begun to wear off. Buyer’s remorse has set in for some, and others lament over the gift not received. The standard question is asked by everyone: “So, what did you get for Christmas?”
 
After wading through all that, there is one thing I didn’t get for Christmas; something I’m thankful to do without—condemnation. The true gift of Christmas, Jesus, brought many gifts with His arrival on earth that first Christmas—salvation, deliverance, liberty, grace, and the list goes on. Yet, He spared me the one thing I deserved, condemnation.
 
Jesus didn’t come to earth to point accusing fingers at sinners. Instead, the scriptures constantly show Jesus ministering to the infirmed, tax collectors, adulterers and all sorts of sinners; those considered the dredges and outcasts of society. Interestingly, when Jesus spoke words of condemnation, it was to those who dared to condemn others.
 
In a world where we readily issue condemnation for the very faults we commit ourselves, we could learn a lot from Jesus’ example. Jesus, the only one who has the right to judge (Revelation 5) came to save, not condemn. No, Jesus doesn’t ignore our sin, but He came to earth and comes into our lives to deliver us from the penalty and power of sin. He justifies us with His blood instead of condemning us for our sin.  
 
So, as we continue to celebrate this season of giving, let’s ask the question, do we give others what Jesus didn’t give us for Christmas—condemnation? 

Lesson to Remember:  So, if Jesus didn’t come to earth to condemn people, why do we bother to condemn them instead of helping them?

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them…”—Luke 9:56

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