Before the heavens and earth were created, God knew us. Jesus, the Son of God, being at the right hand of the Father, was given authority over the heavens and earth. And He, from the beginning of time, knew our names. We not only live in His creation, but we are also His creation, called and named for a special purpose.
Even before man was created, God knew we would sin. And He knew that our sin would separate us from Him. But in His goodness and mercy, He still chose to create Adam and place him in the garden, not only giving him a purpose but also to have fellowship with God. Our Father was fully aware that Adam and his seed, that is, all mankind, would reject Jesus, the Word of God. This means they would also choose to reject the Father, the very one who created and blessed them and gave them life. But in His goodness, our Father had predestined a sacrifice for all mankind. Jesus, the Son of God, would be the Lamb that would be slain to take away all mankind’s sin. A holy God not only created each of us, but He also predestined His Son to take our penalty by sending Him to be crucified on the cross on our behalf.
Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger! It is about the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords coming down in the flesh to take away the sins of all mankind. But we must remember it’s a gift we have to accept! We open it and cherish it. The gifts we open at Christmas in many ways symbolize how Jesus paid the price for our sins so He could offer us as the greatest gift to God the Father. We have been bought, cleaned up, paid for, and wrapped so we would be received and cherished by our Father in heaven. The gifts we receive under the tree are temporary and material, yet the gift He has given us is eternal! The material things will fail and fade, while the eternal gift will never fail or fade. The best part is that we don’t have to earn it—it’s a gift!
Have a merry Christmas!
Stephen L. Thomas
Red Truck Men