Let’s see things from the right perspective.
John 3:16 – For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only-begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish – come to destruction, be lost – but have eternal (everlasting) life. (Amplified Bible)
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We’re entering what most folks in Christian society call the Christmas season, that time of the year when we should be celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While much of our celebrating has sadly been secularized and commercialized, there are many Christians who still take the time to truly celebrate the first advent of Jesus into the world, born of a virgin in the town of Bethlehem in Israel.
Today, I want to bring two things to your attention for clarification of an expression we as Christians hear so often during this time of the year. Here is the statement; “Jesus is the reason for the season.” When is the last time you heard that statement? Don’t be shocked by what I say, but please think about it. That statement is not true. Take a moment and read our Text for Today once again, very slowly. The opening words of this verse could actually be spoken, “It is for this reason that God gave His only begotten Son, because He so greatly loved and dearly prized the world.” Think about that. That is the Biblical truth of this verse of Scripture. You see, it is not Jesus Who is the reason for the season. The true reason for the season is you! It is because God so “greatly loved and dearly prized” you that He gave Jesus.
What we should do is give the highest recognition for the gift of the season, and that was Jesus. Jesus was the sacrifice for sin. We were the reason for Love’s gift of sacrifice. Jesus was the full payment for our salvation; the new birth, a renewed mind, a healed body, complete peace, deliverance from all evil, and the complete provision of every need being abundantly met. We were the reason for Love’s gift of payment in full for all that is ours through redemption.
So, let us rethink our statements of the past, and realize that the reason Jesus was given was not for ever-green trees, lights, tensile, decorations, gifts under a tree, Christmas cards, mistletoe, bells, and parties. The reason Jesus was given is you and me. What we needed was a Savior, and so the reason for the season was us. And also, let us remember that no gift we could ever think about placing under a tree, regardless of its cost or uniqueness, could even begin to compare to the gift of Jesus Himself. You and I are the reason for the season, but Jesus is the gift of the ages, given for you and me. Hallelujah!
Manna for Today – John 3:16-17; 1 John 4:8-16; Romans 10:6-17
My Second Miler by Dr. Beechard Moorefield 