You know, this Christmas season there is, as some say a "war on Christmas" and I guess, maybe, there is, but I am not sure of how important or serious it is. The truth is, we could convince the whole world that Jesus came as a babe, and the whole world would still be lost, if that is all they knew. It is good to know He left the throne of glory and came as a babe. It is a precious truth, but it is not a saving truth. You can believe that, agree with that, and defend that but if that is all you know, you are lost. Even if you lift your sights a bit and believe there is a creator God, a heavenly Father, an almighty Judge, a great Savior, and that is all you know, you are still lost. Educated, but lost. In this country, it is a sad thing indeed that we have sunk to such a low level that we think that just believing there is a God is enough to make you a Christian.
It is good to celebrate the incarnation - God made flesh and dwelling among us, but you won't be any closer to heaven and eternal life if you do, or any further away if you don't. You see, that eternal question about your eternal destiny is answered in Christ the Lord, and in Him alone. The way to salvation is not even in believing that Jesus is your Savior. I know that is the popular notion that sounds like this "ask Jesus to be your Savior and He will save you". No, it is not calling HIm Savior, it is knowing and confessing that He is Lord that brings salvation, (Ro. 10:9, 13). You see, we are saved by grace and grace is the administration of the ruler of the universe, Jesus Christ the LORD. He can show you grace because He is Lord. He does not save you because He is Savior. He is can save you and become your savior, because He is Lord.
If you are in this new and great covenant we have with God, if you have a covenant relationship, you know He as Lord! "and they shall not teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest", Heb. 8:11. This is not knowing about Him, this is knowing Him. This is not knowing Him, or knowing about Him because your neighbor or brother witnessed to you. You know Him because He, by the Holy Spirit presence and power, has revealed Himself Lord of all. That is who He is now!
Remember, this Christmas season, that He came like a baby, died like a lamb but He arose as the Lord! And, if you are going to exchange gifts around the tree or the family table, remember that the exchange of those gifts are reminders of the great gifts God has given to us. The LORD has given us pardon. The LORD has given us mercy and grace! The LORD gives us forgiveness and healing! The LORD has given us the gift of the Holy Ghost. Don't take those gifts from your loved ones and fail to claim the gifts the LORD has given to you. Claim every one of them. And, remember to say "Thank you LORD".
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