For Unto Us

 

For unto us a Child is born,

Unto us a Son is given.

Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)

On Christmas, a tiny baby came into the world to change and transform lives. No longer would anyone need to live separated, compartmentalized lives estranged from their Creator and Friend. Jesus would be the mediator of the new covenant between God and humankind. Old Testament style sacrifices on an earthly altar would no longer be needed, as mankind’s sins would be paid for in full, once and for all, by the death of God’s only Son.

People could cease fearing the displeasure of a Holy God when they sin against Him and other human beings. Regardless of how hard we try to be perfect, we all fall short and we all do sin. However, through the sacrifice of Jesus, we may boldly come to the throne of grace. “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4: 14-16, NKJV).

The coming of Jesus on that starlit night as a newborn babe was God’s greatest gift to mankind. He took His Son, a part of Himself, and robed Him in human flesh to walk among us, teach us, love us, and save us so we could be called God's friends. “No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.” (John 15:15, ESV)

If you want to be God’s friend, allow the Holy Spirit to show you your sin, open your heart to Jesus and be vulnerable. Give up your right to yourself to the One who loved you enough to send His only Son to die for you. Tell God you are sorry for ignoring Him for so long. Repent and accept by faith the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross on your behalf. Then, the true meaning of Christmas will be revealed to your heart, mind and soul to the praise and glory of God.