At Christmas time we think of the birth of Jesus Christ.
We hear about the Bethlehem Story re-told in many ways, but what we easily forget at this time of year is the real reason that this baby came to us in the first place.
Jesus had a purpose in life. He came to show us who God really is. He came so that we might have a full and intimate relationship with the Father He knew so well.
His mission was to secure our salvation, and that victory would cost Him His life. Think about what Jesus left in Glory and what He came to in Bethlehem.
How can we truly celebrate the birth of Christ without taking into account the ultimate reason for His arrival? He was born to die for us.
Most of us do not want to think about the brutal death that had already been pre-planned for this peaceful infant at the center of the manger scene in Bethlehem.
As we look at the historical Roman Empire of that time, we soon realize that it was, without a doubt, the most cruel and dangerous culture in the world. Poverty and slavery were common, Jewish insurrections were violently crushed, and public crucifixions were used to instill fear.
A good example of this Roman control comes when the records reveal that two years after Jesus was born, King Herod feeling threatened by reports of the Jewish King’s arrival, decreed that all young boys in Bethlehem, 2 years and younger were ordered to be massacred.
The Scriptures report to us that throughout his life, Jesus was never really welcomed by his own people. Yet, he never hesitated to deliver the Good News to a needy world and then went to the cross to pay our sin debt in full. He was faithful in accomplishing what His Father had sent Him to do.
Christmas is about the greatest gift that people of this world have ever received … the birth of Jesus Christ.
He is called Emmanuel, which is interpreted, “God with Us” … that is the real meaning of Christmas.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His One and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17.
Graves of Rockport is a member of a group of concerned Midcoast citizens who meet to discuss issues of public interest. Their weekly column has been awarded by the Maine Press Association.
