The Big Why of Christmas
Good Morning,
Next Sunday is Christmas Day. People around the world will gather to celebrate. Some because of family tradition. Others with an annual trip to church. And still others seeking a day of peace in the midst of a chaotic life. Whatever your reason for celebrating, there is one big reason that beats all others. The “big why” of Christmas is Jesus. He is the ultimate reason because he provides the ultimate rescue.
The big idea for today is this: Jesus came to rescue us and solve our unsolvable problem. There are two hard truths we all must face. The first is that we are all in need of rescuing. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, we have an inescapable problem of sin and separation from God. Romans 3 says that we have all sinned and fall short of God’s glory.
The second hard truth is that we cannot rescue ourselves. It is impossible. Romans 8:3 teaches us that the law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. To put it bluntly, you can never be good enough. So, God did what trying to be good could not do. He sent Jesus as a substitute offering for our sin.
You cannot appreciate the astounding joy of Christmas unless you understand the magnitude of your problem. Without Jesus you are drowning and there is no rescue boat in sight. Jesus rescues us and provides hope where otherwise there is none. These verses from Romans 8:1-3 sum it up.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For in Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin.
The answer to “Why Christmas?” is Jesus. The big answer to life is Jesus. He is the fulfiller of prophesy, makes possible our adoption into God’s family, frees us from the bondage of performance and fear and rescues us from our biggest problem. His love, grace, and sacrifice trump everything else! He came, lived, died, and rose again with you in mind. Because of Him, you can live with your eternal destiny assured and your tomorrow in the hands of the Great Rescuer.
That makes for a very merry Christmas indeed.
Question to ponder:
1) It is one thing to know about Jesus. It is a whole other thing to appropriate His offer of forgiveness for you personally. Have you done so?
Live on purpose, Ron Klopfenstein, CPLC
