Today I packed the nativity set in its boxes. The baby Jesus will spend the next eleven months safely tucked between chunks of Styrofoam. This polyresin infant has its place. I know just what to do with it and where to keep it.
But what should I do with the real baby Jesus?
Christmas is the time we celebrate His birth. The arrival of Immanuel. God with us. We celebrate the birth of Jesus during the Christmas season, but what are we to do with Jesus on December 26th?
Jesus was born in a stable more than 2,000 years ago for a specific purpose. (Check out my earlier post that details Jesus’ “I came…” statements.) In fact, Jesus’ name reveals His purpose. The name “Jesus” means “the Lord helps” or “the Lord saves.” Every person that has ever lived is in need of spiritual rescue.
The Bible says that each of us has sinned or chosen our own way over God’s perfect way. (See Romans 3:23.) The penalty for our sin is spiritual death or eternal separation from God. (See Romans 6:23.) But God loves us to too much to leave us with no hope, so He sent Jesus to provide a way of salvation. Jesus’ death on the cross provided payment for our sins. (See John 3:16.) If you’ve never received Jesus’ free gift of salvation then you’ve missed out on the real significance of Christmas.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of a baby King. But let’s not leave Him in the manger. Let’s acknowledge His right to reign and rule in our lives every day of the year.
If you have never acknowledged your need for a Savior and given your life to Christ, do it now.
If you’ve received the eternal salvation that only Christ can give then bow your heart and knee to Him now. Thank Him for His coming. Thank Him for His death that provided payment for your sins.
Kathy ~ Thanks you for such a sweet reminder of who Jesus is and why He came. I’m so thankful the manger was a prelude to the cross. So thankful for His wonderful salvation!
This gives great context to Christmas, and it helps answer the “after Christmas blues” so many people feel, too. The coming of the Baby King changes all of life!
Thank you Kathy! Beautiful post. The birth is just the beginning. There is still a journey.
Blessings~
Marita
I am asking that you help me pray for my family to let go of the world way of doing and allow God to control their life.
thank you
Father, I lift Arnetta and her family to you. Give them strength and guidance to follow you closely. Help them realize that the world has nothing of true value to offer. Show them your love and power and give them a desire to serve and honor you. Amen.