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The Woman, The Child And The Dragon - Message #389 - December 18, 2005
What is Christmas all about? For most of us it means a little time off from work, a little time with our families, perhaps some travel and celebration with decorations and gifts. It's a jovial time when children write to Santa Claus. It's a sentimental time when loved ones are missed or especially embraced.
In all of this we tend to forget we have this season because of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We definitely block out the reason for the coming of Christ. Matthew 1:21 in the Bible says, "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." The name Jesus means Jehovah saves.
>From what must people be saved? Christ saves from sin. Sins are violations of God's commandments. Sin has consequences. The terrible effect of sin is punishment in a place called hell. Whom does Jesus save from the consequences of sin? Christ saves his people. They are defined as all those who trust in His sacrifice on the cross.
We do not particularly like this message. It does not make us feel good. It makes us feel bad. Christmas should not make us feel bad. It is a good time, a joyous time. True. But why? The joy comes from understanding the depth of our sin and the significance of the salvation brought about by Christ.
Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow
What is Christmas all about? For most of us it means a little time off from work, a little time with our families, perhaps some travel and celebration with decorations and gifts. It's a jovial time when children write to Santa Claus. It's a sentimental time when loved ones are missed or especially embraced.
In all of this we tend to forget we have this season because of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We definitely block out the reason for the coming of Christ. Matthew 1:21 in the Bible says, "She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." The name Jesus means Jehovah saves.
>From what must people be saved? Christ saves from sin. Sins are violations of God's commandments. Sin has consequences. The terrible effect of sin is punishment in a place called hell. Whom does Jesus save from the consequences of sin? Christ saves his people. They are defined as all those who trust in His sacrifice on the cross.
We do not particularly like this message. It does not make us feel good. It makes us feel bad. Christmas should not make us feel bad. It is a good time, a joyous time. True. But why? The joy comes from understanding the depth of our sin and the significance of the salvation brought about by Christ.
Contributed by Dr. Dennis J. Prutow
