“In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” (1John 4:9 NKJV)
The Bible teaches us that sin is much more that simply breaking rules or commandments whether issued by man or God. Sin relates to our rebelling against God and His principles, but also to the falling short of His righteous standard. The problem is that our sinful nature prevents us from completely obeying God’s principles when we try and it propels us from Him when we rebel.
Sin is bad and it ultimately results in a broken relationship with God. When left untreated, our sinful condition will lead to eternal death. (Rom. 6:23) What started in the Garden of Eden with Adam disobeying God and eating the fruit, continues on to this day in the human condition. We see the effects of sin all around us, and we don’t have to look too hard. Broken lives, broken families and relationships, broken dreams, and just plain brokenness in our world are all evidences of how needy we humans really are.
So, what does Christmas have to do with sin and our sinful condition? EVERYTHING!
God had a plan for sin all along. The innocent animal God sacrificed for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden was an object lesson of a future moment that would forever change the eternal destiny of humans. John the Baptist said rightly of Jesus, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) Because God is love, there was a glorious day when God would come to the earth, wrap Himself in human flesh and save us from our sinful condition.
That baby born in a manger, was called Immanuel, which means “God with us.” (Is. 7:14, Matt. 1:23) Humans are born with a death sentence because of sin. But Jesus, God’s Son, was sent to bear that death sentence so that we could live through Him. By one man, Adam, death came into the world and ruled in our lives, but by one Man, Jesus Christ, death is swallowed up in victory. We are now set free and for that we rejoice!
Christmas is the celebration and wonder of God’s love on display. Consider the lights we see during this season in our homes and around the community. They all speak of Jesus being the Light of the World and illuminating our dark hearts with His truth. Every light is a witness that Jesus has broken the chains of sin and death. We are free. We are blessed. We are loved. We are now Sons and Daughters of God because of the greatest gift ever given. Open that gift if you haven’t already and don’t forget to praise God for the gift of His Son if you have.
Christmas celebrates God’s victory over our sin in the Person of Jesus.
Everyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus is forgiven and set free. Our hope is secure and God’s love is now shed abroad in our heart. (Rom. 5:5) Guilt and shame are gone, and we now get to share that love with others!
“And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world.” (1 John 4:14 NKJV)
Merry Christmas!
PD