Merry Christmas Devotional From Dr. Michael Youssef Christmas points to the unique Truth that our redemption can only come through Christs sinless birth, life, death, and resurrection. If there were another way, there would be no Christmas. This year, as in years past, millions of people will gather in churches to celebrate Christmas. They will hear the Truth of the Gospel, sing the carols of the faith, declare Jesus the newborn king, but they will ultimately let the Truth of Christmas go in one ear and out the other. This is difficult to witness year after year because Christmas is not just a nostalgic holiday. It is the celebration of the incarnation of Christ, the revelation of God’s plan for the redemption of man—the ultimate expression of His love for us. The Savior of the world, promised as far back as the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:15), was born through a young virgin named Mary. Why was it important that she was a virgin? Only the virgin-born Savior is free from original sin, the hereditary condition that has been passed from every father to every child since Adam. Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit so that He was born perfect, as any sacrifice for sin must be. His extraordinary life and ministry followed the pattern of his birth. He was born sinless through the virgin birth, and he lived a sinless life in the face of an enemy who sought to destroy Him. He was born holy and pure, and He died sinless and perfect. He was miraculously conceived, and He was miraculously resurrected. People suggest, even demand, that Jesus is only one of many possible ways to God. The uniqueness of Jesus’ birth disallows such conclusions. In the Christ child, God was declaring to us that there is no other way. There is no amount of good works and no degree of managing our evil desires that will provide the forgiveness of sins we so desperately need. Our hearts long and cry out for the forgiveness we need. Still, we want to believe that we can provide our own forgiveness. We want to forge our own path based on our personal belief systems that are dictated by our own rules. Sin prevents us from wanting to embrace the Truth—that Jesus is the only plan for humanity’s salvation. Christmas points to the unique Truth that our redemption can only come through Christ’s sinless birth, life, death, and resurrection. If there were another way, there would be no Christmas. Jesus would not have had to leave His Father’s side in glory for the womb of a virgin if there had been any other way. When you read the Christmas story this year, ask God to give you a fresh perspective on this miraculous expression of God’s love and provision to the world. Give thanks to God that salvation has come, and Jesus now reigns on high and will one day return in authority and power. If you are one who has never experienced the true power and weight of Christmas, ask the Lord to reveal it to you this year. The same love that brought Jesus to this world calls you now to come and receive His ultimate Christmas gift of eternal life.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 13:19:36 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015