Grown Up Life: it starts at the manger

Sunday, December 25, 2005

it starts at the manger

we hear the same christmas story year after year and somehow the miracle of God incarnate doesn't seem so miraculous anymore. what a shame. we fail to remember that our God, who is infinite, humbled himself and was born as a finite being of his own creation. yet our celebration of christmas is not simply for Jesus' birth, but what His birth meant for the world.

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons." Galatians 4:4-5

Jesus was born as a man, though still God, to fulfill the law perfectly (because we can't) so that we may be united to Him by faith. He suffered the death of a sinner, but He never sinned. He paid our debt of sin for us so that we may be clothed in His righteousness. but salvation doesn't come to everyone just because of Jesus' birth. it comes from true repentance from sin and faith that Jesus' death on the cross paid fully for your sins.

we celebrate Jesus' birth because it was the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise. it starts at the manger, but we must look to the cross for salvation.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Hark the herald angels sing"Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild

God and sinners reconciled"

Joyful, all ye nations rise

Join the triumph of the skies

With the angelic host proclaim:

"Christ is born in Bethlehem"

Hark! The herald angels sing"

Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored

Christ the everlasting Lord!