Read: John 3:5-17
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16
It’s very likely Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th. Christmas has become increasingly commercialized. More and more, people try to redefine Christmas as “Xmas.” All true. Still, Christmas is the time I celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
Despite how others try to marginalize, commercialize or redefine it, I need Christmas. Not for the gifts, family gatherings, or celebrations. Beyond the trappings of the season, I need Christmas because I was born with a sin nature—an inescapable, oppressive burden that weighs heavily on every fiber of my being. It’s ingrained in me, and no matter what I do, I can’t get rid of it. Even on my best days, that sin nature is ever-present. When I searched for relief, no one could help because everyone had the same problem, sin. The only solution was the justice God required, and I deserved, but that price was beyond anything I could pay.
Still, God looked upon me with compassion. In spite of my sin, God loved me with an everlasting love that answered the call for justice with what I needed—grace and mercy. With that grace, mercy and love, God sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to do for me what I couldn’t do for myself, save me from the power and penalty of sin.
Christmas is God’s greatest expression of love, to give His very best to redeem Man from eternal damnation. Christmas is Jesus Christ forfeiting His Glory in eternity to step into time, live as a man and eventually die for my sins. Christmas—the birth of Jesus Christ, is tangible proof that God’s love brings peace, joy and most of all, hope, a hope only Christmas brings.
Yes, God loves the world, but it’s personal, God loves even me. That’s worth celebrating!
Merry Christmas!
“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”—1 John 4:9
