Monday, December 1, 2008

Christ Came into the World


1Ti 1:15 This [is] a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

As we celebrate the miracle of Christmas, it never ceases to amaze me that Christ came into the world. Think about it! God actually became a man! The Creator became part of His creation, suffered and died as a part of that creation, and rose from the dead to show that he was so much more than a created being.

And what an arrival! He was born of a virgin, just like Isaiah had prophesied! He was conceived of the Holy Ghost and brought forth in the fulness of time [AT GOD'S APPOINTED AND EXACT RIGHT TIME], and laid in a manger. Angels announced his arrival, and shepherds and wise men came and worshipped Him! God's glory shone all around, and it was as if all nature was crying out: "THAT'S HIM! AND HE'S FINALLY HERE!!!"

John 1:14 tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The term "dwelt among us" is actually "tabernacled among us." You could say that he pitched his tent beside us. And he took on the tabernacle of human flesh.

Paul puts it this way:

Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that hangeth on a tree:
Gal 4:4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Gal 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

Do you get by now what Christmas is all about? It's not about the toys and stuff! It's about Christ becoming accursed for you and me. The Creator humbled himself and took upon human form. He was born under the law and condemned to die under that same legal system. Why? Did he do wrong? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! He took your punishment and mine. The law, which is our schoolmaster that brings us to Christ, condemns everyone of us to die, b/c we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! The wages of that sin is to die and go spend forever in Hell. BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy toward us, He demonstrated His own love toward us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!

HOW AWESOME IS THAT!?!

Now, whosoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13)! This Christmas, remember who it is and what it is we are celebrating! It is Jesus, who bore in his own body the punishment for our sins. He suffered at the hands of his own father the punishment that you and I deserve. He did come into the world! And it was to save sinners of whom I am chief! PRAISE GOD FOR HIS UNSPEAKABLE GIFT! Have you ever accepted God's free gift of eternal life? If not, let God's Spirit speak to you and surrender to Christ as Lord today!

2 comments:

Colvin5776 said...

As I read this blog, this passage came to my mind. Jesus made himself of no reputation to be born as a baby in a very lowly state.

How easy it would have been to take the easy way out...to be born in roalty, yet for our sakes Jesus though he was a Prince, He chose to be born in rags!

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
(Php 2:7-9)


Praise God for His excelent Mercy and Grace!

Nathan Wilkerson said...

It truly was an act of humility for the Creator to become part of His creation - to subject Himself to His own governing laws of creation, and then to die for the sins of that creation. What an awesome and loving God we serve. Now, God has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name above every name - The LORD Jesus Christ!