ADVENT: Reclaiming Christmas -- Day 14

Advent:  Day 14:  "The Reason for Christmas is Death!"

Scripture:  “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

“Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood . . .”

We are the children of GOD.  GOD’s love for His children (John 3:16) moved Him to act redemptively by offering His Only Son, JESUS.  Those who truly believe from within the depths of their hearts experience adoption into GOD’s family (1 Timothy 4:10).

“. . . He Himself likewise also partook of the same [flesh and blood] . . .”

JESUS existed before the incarnation.  He was Spirit.  He was with GOD and was GOD (John 1:1).  But He took on flesh and blood and became a man and walked amongst us (John 1:14).  This is truly one of the most amazing truths in the entire world and it is also an incredible mystery.  But it is a foundational truth of the Christian faith.

“. . . that through death . . .”

Please take this into your heart and allow it to overwhelm every fiber of your being . . . the purpose for JESUS becoming a man . . . the purpose for JESUS’ birth . . . the purpose for Christmas . . . WAS FOR JESUS TO DIE!              JESUS WAS BORN TO DIE!  Good Friday is the reason for Christmas.

“. . . He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil . . . “

By dying, Jesus covered all our sin which means Satan has no legitimate grounds to accuse us before GOD and we are justified (we become a new creature . . . just as if we have never ever sinned Romans 8:33).  This was accomplished once and for all (Hebrews 10) by JESUS’ death . . . shedding His blood in our behalf (Romans 5:9).

“. . . and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery.”

As a result of the astonishing redemptive work of GOD out of His amazing love and grace for us we are free from the fear of death and we are no longer slaves to our sin or to our fear of death.  This life isn’t all there is . . . we have an eternal destiny!  What an incredible Christmas present from GOD to us and from us to the world!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!