The Reason

We’re all familiar with the common trappings of this time of year; pretty lights, snowmen, Santa Claus, and cheap junk on sale for 10x its actual value.

But, what is this season supposed to be about? -- Giving? -- Receiving? -- Family? -- Cookies?

No, we know this reason is really shout something far bigger. It's about something you can't really put your hands on. I'm sure by now you know -- or think you know -- what I'm talking about. But, let me throw you curveball.

I'm not talking specifically about Jesus Christ. To be sure, everything is all about Him, but I'm hoping to get you thinking deeper.

Now, if Christmas is about Christ -- AND IT IS! -- what is Jesus Christ about? Is He a “friend”? A nice guy who just loves everyone? He’s far more than that. He is about salvation -- saving action -- but then we’re left with the question of “saving who from what?”

Matthew 1:21

21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Of all the “religions” on earth, the true religion of Christianity is the only one which proclaims that God does the sacrificing to pay the price for the unrighteousness of those who trust in Him. The creator of everything. The essential being left His heavenly realm and exalted throne to dwell on His creation, with the jewel of His creation, to suffer and defeat death for His creation, so that His creation could have hope and eternal life with Him.

It does you no good to call Jesus "your saviour" if you don't really know what it is He has saved you from.

This season has an ugly side, and that ugly side has everything to do with each one of us. The Son of God would have never been born in a stable 2,000 years ago if there wasn’t a need for His sacrifice. The blame for that need falls squarely on the shoulders of every person who has ever lived and ever will live.

It is our iniquity -- our sin. That’s an ugly word, isn’t it? People don’t like to talk about it. Some even say because everyone sins no one is qualified to talk about it. That’s a lie. Put simply, sin is every thought and action that puts us above God, that robs Him of His glory, that dishonors Him. And our sin is the reason for Jesus' birth, life, sacrifice (His death), and resurrection.

Without Jesus we would have no hope. Put a happier way, in Jesus we have hope. Because of His Sacrifice to pay the price -- take the penalty -- for our sin we have hope. He told us to repent -- turn away from -- our sin and follow Him. There's simply no other way to make up for our sins. It's why He came to us. It’s why there was the first Christmas.

As Christmas day draws near, focus on Christ -- not as a cute baby with a little Halo -- but as your personal Saviour. Have Joy in the knowledge of your Salvation because of Him.