December 24, 2004

Born To Die

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. —Matthew 20:28

Bible In One Year: Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15

Although millions celebrate Jesus' birthday, few seem to be aware of its real significance.

We recognize that His birth was unusual because He was born of a virgin. His life was unique too, for He was the only one who lived without sinning. His death was also unusual. Jesus was not a martyr. He was not the victim of unfortunate circumstances, dying for a worthy cause. Nor did He lay down His life just to set a good example. There's much more to it than that. The Lord Jesus came into this world to be our Savior!

Jesus Himself said that He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Who are the lost? The Bible tells us that "all have sinned" and that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23; 6:23). In order to save the world, Jesus had to die for it. He came and lived the perfect life and then died the death we should have died. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because He was crucified and then rose from the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe (John 1:12).

Have you accepted God's gift of salvation? If not, do so today, and this will be your most meaningful Christmas ever. —Richard De Haan

God offers new life;
Yea, what more could He give?
For He sent the Redeemer
That sinners might live! —Morgan

Unless we see the cross overshadowing the cradle, we have lost the real meaning of Christ's birth.