Merry Christmas!

    Merry Christmas! This is the time of year when we take a wintry December day to remember the birth of our Saviour.

“For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

    and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 ESV

    Many choose to simply end the story at the manger, but, in doing so, they leave out the whole purpose of the Christmas story! I would like you to not only remember the birth of our Saviour, but also the reason for which he was born. Christ came to take our place and give his life so that we may be saved. We deserve nothing, we are nothing, and we can do nothing, and yet:

"God, being rich in mercy, 

because of the great love with which he loved us,

even when we were dead in our trespasses, 

made us alive together with Christ--by grace you have been saved."

Ephesians 2:4-5 ESV

    Instead of taking one day out of the year to remember his coming, I encourage you to dwell on this beautiful story every day of the year. He came to give a sacrifice beyond our imagination; he came to die for those who deserved only death, and give them forgiveness of their immeasurable transgressions. 

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, 

we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, 

and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God."

Romans 5:1-2 ESV

        Have you put your trust in him? Do you live only to glorify your Creator? 

"For those who live according to the flesh 

set their minds on the things of the flesh, 

but those who live according to the Spirit 

set their minds on the things of the Spirit."

Romans 8:5 ESV

    These questions I pose to you in hopes that you will ponder this great sacrifice, come to recognize your sinful state, and give your life (yes, your life) to Christ.

    Have a very merry Christmas, and do not forget the reason for His birth!

    ~Madelyn