There was no possible way for us to repay that debt of sin, but God provided us with salvation and a path back to Him. That gift of salvation and path back to the Father came in a small package swaddled in linen and laid to rest in a manger. That gift is Christ the Lord.
Although he came into the world with little fanfare or pomp and circumstance, Jesus not only embodied the gift of salvation but he was also that path back to the Father. We had fallen away from the path of righteousness and only knew darkness in our lives. We were rebellious and sinful. We lived our lives the way we wanted to and didn’t care about the consequences. Then, a miracle happened in our lives. A small voice called to us telling the wonderful story of how a Savior came from Glory to live among us, to teach us how to get back on the path of righteousness and to die for our sins. Because of God’s will, he was resurrected from the dead to show the world that through His son, we no longer need to fear death. Jesus gave us that gift. A gift of hope and light that we celebrate this very night.
In the fourteenth chapter of the Gospel of John, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. If you had really known me, you would know who my Father is. From now on, you do know him and have seen him!”
Taking Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord is the first step in a wonderful journey on the path of righteousness. Each day is another step and a chance to rejoice in our relationship with our Master, Savior and Friend. This relationship isn’t just limited to a few people or a select group. It is available to all. Everyone can accept this gift from God and the ability to have a relationship with Him.
Christmas is a time to rejoice and it is celebrated with light. There is a reason why the light is so very important. Darkness filled the world and so many have walked in that darkness. To them, darkness is normal. I remember when I walked in darkness and nothing mattered to me. But, then I saw the light.
The light of Jesus that brought peace and love into my life. It also brought conviction. For the first time I looked at my life and saw what the darkness had obscured from my vision.
Isaiah, in chapter nine of the book that bears his name, writes, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
Isaiah, in chapter nine of the book that bears his name, writes, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.”
As the days have gotten shorter, we see more of the darkness and we long for the light and rejoice when we see the sunrise. Light will always push darkness out and reveal so much. This is our chance to see our lives as they are.
During this Christmas season, you have an opportunity to walk in light and have a joyful relationship with God or continue to walk in darkness. Darkness only brings depression, guilt and fear. Light gives life and love and lifts us up spiritually. I ask you to listen to the small voice that is softly and tenderly calling you to life in light and love.
For those who already walk along the path of righteousness, rejoice and celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord. He came into the world not to judge it, but to save it. If you have a rocky relationship, I ask you to have a little talk with Jesus tonight. Don’t waste another moment.
Take a moment tonight to thank God for the gift of His son and the salvation embodied in a small baby who will one day grow up and suffer a criminal’s death upon a cross so that you can have eternal life with the Father and His son, Jesus. By accepting this wonderful gift, you can and will stand firm in His grace.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
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