THE BIBLE...

The Way Home This Christmas

Home News Tribune, December 23, 2008

From the moment Adam and Eve sinned and were cast out of the Garden of Eden – the paradise of God – they had only one thing to hold unto: hope. They had been promised that One would be born into the world to take away their sin. They awaited a coming Savior.

Years passed by, and many had given up hope, but finally the day came when the angel appeared to Mary and revealed that she would give birth to the long-awaited One. The stars shone, the angels announced to shepherds, the wise men came, and the Light of the World was born! We celebrate that birth – the birth of Jesus the Messiah – who came to save us from our sin.

But so many among us have lost their way to the true meaning of Christmas. Rather than a celebration, Dec. 25th is a sad and lonely time as people try to find real meaning in all our traditions – the lights, the trees, the gift giving. Meanwhile the horrific spectre of people trampled by greedy shoppers in department stores reveals how far we have gone, and demonstrates our desperate need to come home to the true meaning of Christmas.

Christmas is so much more than shopping, baking, presents and decorations. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth. He was born Emmanuel – Christ with us – to save us from our sins. But have you ever wondered why He came the way that He came?

The Bible tells us in John 1:18: that He came to reveal what God is like "No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him."

Second, He came to reveal what mankind should be like. The Old Testament law reveals what we should be, but Jesus is our living role model. In John 13:15, He says, "For I have given you an example that you should do as I have done to you."

Third, He came to represent mankind to God to make payment for their sin. Hebrews 2:17 says, "Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make payment for the sins of the people."

Fourth, He came in the way He came so that He might comfort others by relating to His people. Hebrews 2:18: "For in that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted."

Fifth, the Bible tells us, "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).

Sixth, John 10:10 says, "I have come so that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly."

Seventh, Jesus also said in John 12:46, "I have come as a Light into the world that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness."

Eighth, John 18:37: "I have come into the world that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice."

And finally, number nine, Jesus said in John 9:39, "For judgment I have come into this world that those who do not see may see, and those who see Me may be made blind."

Jesus is the only one in all of history who ultimately was born with the primary purpose of dying, sacrificing Himself for our sin. Jesus was born to die, that we may live!

So as we string up those Christmas lights, let us remember that Jesus is the Light of the world, that whosoever believes in Him should not abide in darkness. As we enjoy time with friends and family, let us remember that Jesus is the firstborn among many brethren, and that He made it possible for us to call His Father our own. And most importantly, as we give and receive gifts this Christmas, let us remember the greatest gift of all – Jesus.