Seeing Christ In Christmas
Much of our season of Christmas is filled with hectic attempts at making “spirits bright.”
Much of our season of Christmas is filled with hectic attempts at making “spirits bright,” but we often miss the meaning and the person behind the familiar story. If we are honest, often we know the truth of God sending Jesus, the Messiah long-promised to the world, but we don’t pause enough to reflect on the miracle.
For all of human existence, from Adam and Eve in the garden through the words of the ancient prophets of Israel, God promised a redeeming Savior. And as the Angel said to Joseph, “…you are to give him the name Jesus (Yeshua) because he will save his people from their sins.” So this then is the true spirit of Christmas – the celebration of God’s redemption of all people through Jesus.
As a verse so familiar to us explains – this is the message of Christmas.
For God so loved the world
God shows his LOVE toward us in giving Jesus – not the kind of love the world knows, but true, transcendent love that penetrates our sinful world and invites us to a new life.
…that he gave his one and only Son,
God GAVE Jesus to be our perfect redeemer – to die for our sins and to model a life of love. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was the only way for us to be reconciled to God. This one-of-a-kind gift is the essence of God’s grace.
…that whoever believes in him shall not perish
Our BELIEF or faith in Jesus is the only way we can access this amazing grace and be restored to a right relationship with God. We cannot attain this ourselves – we have no hope, no life, outside of this faith and trust in him.
…but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NIV)
The PROMISE of God at Christmas is that all who believe will live with God forever! What a true joy! What a gift! This is the “good news that will cause great joy for all the people” that the shepherds were amazed at.
This Christmas, when you see the baby in the manger, and all the other familiar trappings of the season, remember to see the real Jesus. The same Jesus who was cradled in Mary’s arms, and hung by Joseph’s side to learn carpentry, was the Jesus on the cross – his arms stretched wide to embrace and forgive the sin of the world.
May you all experience a fresh vision of Christ, the Savior of the World, this Christmas.
Blessings,
Dr. Carl Moeller
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About The Show:
Joel C. Rosenberg is a New York Times Bestselling Author & Middle East expert. He has spent 20 years bringing a uniquely Biblical view on the Epicenter; this podcast will share insights from his private meetings with presidents, prime ministers, kings, and clerics. Joel and co-host Carl Moeller (Executive Director of The Joshua Fund) will discuss current events worthy of prayer or praise to the Lord and how they relate to end times prophecy.
