Born to Die

The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. — Matthew 20:28

Although millions celebrate Jesus' birthday, few seem to be aware of its real significance.

We recognize that His birth was unusual because He was born of a virgin. His life was unique too, for He was the only one who lived without sinning. His death was also unusual. Jesus was not a martyr. He was not the victim of unfortunate circumstances, dying for a worthy cause. Nor did He lay down His life just to set a good example. There's much more to it than that. The Lord Jesus came into this world to be our Savior!

Jesus Himself said that He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). Who are the lost? The Bible tells us that "all have sinned" and that "the wages of sin is death" (Romans 3:23; 6:23). In order to save the world, Jesus had to die for it. He came and lived the perfect life and then died the death we should have died. The true meaning of Christmas is that Jesus was born to die. Because He was crucified and then rose from the dead, forgiveness of sin and assurance of heaven is now offered to all who believe (John 1:12).

Have you accepted God's gift of salvation? If not, do so today, and this will be your most meaningful Christmas ever.

Unless we see the cross overshadowing the cradle, we have lost the real meaning of Christ's birth.

A Promised Gift

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. — Isaiah 9:6

I read several years ago about a woman who hurriedly purchased 50 Christmas cards without looking at the message inside. She quickly signed and addressed all but one, and then dropped them in a mailbox. Just imagine her dismay when later she glanced inside the one unmailed card and read these words:

This card is just to say
A little gift is on the way.

No doubt there were 49 people wondering what happened to their presents.

How different was God's promise to us! Many years before the Savior was born, the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah, saying, "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). And in verse 6 of chapter 9 we read, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given." Did God keep His word? Indeed He did! Galatians 4:4 states, "When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son."

On this special day, as we commemorate the birth of Christ, let's thank God that He meant what He said. He not only promised, but He also gave. "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15).

No gift is more needed by a dying world than a living Savior.