"And we have seen and testify that the Father
has sent the Son as the Savior of the world."
1 John 4:14
Imagine being and eye-witness to the physical manifestation of Christ! John spoke of it many times firsthand. He stressed in his Gospel the fact that Jesus was the Messiah come to man. He begins his first epistle with testimony of how he saw, heard, and even touched Jesus. This is no empty religious jargon which is coming from his lips; he wants the world to know what he personally experienced.
The Christmas season has with it a spirit like no other time of year. Sure, it has been way too commercialized and we become much too concerned about getting all the things on our gift list. However, there is also something special, because it is a very humbling season. We have become very familiar with the message of Jesus on the cross. Each time we think of it our hearts are stirred, and we see His passion in a new way of hope on each occasion. We think upon Jesus' resurrection from that cold tomb with joy unspeakable; death and hell have been conquered and those chains no longer bind us. But, once a year we stop every thing and see an animal filled stable, two young adults, and a manger holding a tiny baby. Every time, we are amazed that the divinity and glory of Heaven is peacefully lying there as a helpless infant. Why? It just doesn't make sense.
John and the rest of Scripture tell us why. He came to be our Savior! Even today we do not understand how needy we are, but God in His love knew our need before time began. He knew that fallen man in his sin-sick condition would need to be delivered from this corrupt flesh and wicked world. He knew that those who would accept His call would need to see how to live this life in holiness and righteousness. Thank God that He came to be the Light in the middle of our darkness!
We are never instructed to celebrate the birth of Christ, but we follow the example of Mary. The Bible tells us that she pondered these things in her heart again and again. It would be good for us to put down the presents and the food to ponder upon the glory of God this Christmas.
May you personally know the Savior of the world!
From me and my family to all of you, Merry Christmas and God's greatest blessings upon your lives!
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