One of the joys of Christmas is the sense of togetherness we feel as we celebrate with friends, family, and community. Whether this Christmas finds you gathering with loved ones or experiencing a quieter holiday, remember that the message of Christmas is… God left Heaven to be with us! “She shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus: for He shall save His people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us” (Matthew 1:21-23). Why did Jesus leave the glories of Heaven to be born as a baby in Bethlehem? The answer is simple, yet His life’s mission was not. Put simply, Jesus was born to lay down His life, so that through His sacrifice He would “save His people from their sins.” What we need to understand is that our sin separates us from God’s presence. The Bible says, “Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you” (Isaiah 59:2). Even if you consider yourself a “good person” when compared with others, you could never be good enough to meet God’s standard of holiness. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). There is good news for you Jesus was fully human, yet fully God. He made His home among us and lived a perfect life, innocent of any wrong. His perfect innocence qualified Him to withstand God’s judgment in our place. When He died on the cross, He took upon Himself the penalty for our sin. “Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Because Jesus was fully God, the grave could not hold Him. After three days, He rose from the dead, having conquered death and the sin that kept us separated from God. How can you be brought into a relationship with God? First, recognize who Jesus is—the Son of God, the Lord of all creation. Next, turn to Him in faith, trusting His perfect sacrifice to pay the debt of your sin. Then, call out to Him and ask Him to save you. “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). God with you? When you place your trust in Jesus, He truly becomes “God with you.” He lives in your heart so you can begin to comprehend His love for you (Ephesians 3:17-19). When you feel alone, He promises to never leave you (Hebrews 13:5). When you feel lost, He will be your guide (Proverbs 3:5-6). When you’re hurting, He will comfort you (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). When you’re afraid, He will be your peace (John 14:27). When you’re tempted, He will make a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). When you’re weak, He will be your strength (Isaiah 41:10). With Jesus Christ in your heart, you can celebrate the joy of Christmas every day of your life, no matter what comes your way. “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art Mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee” (Isaiah 43:1-2).
