December 20, 2017
“When Jesus comes, the tempter’s power is broken; when Jesus comes, the tears are wiped away. He takes the gloom and fills the life with glory, for all is changed when Jesus comes to stay.” The songwriter based these words on the Bible story where Jesus gave sight to a blind man. The application of the words can be the testimony of every person who trusts Savior Jesus.
The Christmas Story has many players, but the focus is on Jesus. If we remove Him from the Story, the celebration is limited. The amazing attitude of Mary, the faithful commitment of Joseph, the response of joy-filled shepherds over special news – these could be part of any celebration of a new baby. The story would probably not have extended beyond the immediate family and location.
Because the focus is on Jesus, the Christmas Story of nearly 2,000 years ago is still alive and known throughout Planet Earth and even into the heavenly realm. The curse of sin dominates the world, but the Bible promises a Remedy for sin that brings humans back into a relationship with Creator God. The counterfeit god, Satan, convinced the first humans to turn against the Creator, but Jesus has defeated him.
On Christmas, Jesus entered our world. As God Himself, He took on human existence to identify with us. We know Him as the God-Man. I do not attempt to explain this any more than I would explain a rose by taking off the petals one by one. By faith, I accept the Story as true. In faith, I place my life into the hands of Jesus, Who came to rescue me from the power of sin and give me eternal position and Peace in God’s family.
The theme of Christmas is simple but profound: “Then Jesus came.” Jesus’ ministry demonstrated His Deity. In death, He took our place. In resurrection, He secures our eternal life. Trusting Him means Peace for today and security forever.
My prayer for anyone who reads these words is that you know the joy that comes only through Jesus coming into your life (John 3:16-17). Grace and Peace to you because of Him.
Pastor Bill Ehmann