December 16 - Born to Die

"She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21 NKJV)

Even before Jesus was born, His mission was clear. The angel told Joseph what the Child's name would be and why: Jesus, because He would save His people from their sins. The name Jesus means "Jehovah saves" or "the Lord saves."

We celebrate the Baby in the manger because we know what that Baby came to accomplish. He was born to die. The same hands that Mary held as a baby would one day be pierced with nails. The same heart that beat in that tiny chest would one day be broken for our salvation.

Why do we celebrate the birth of Jesus? It's not because of what He did in Bethlehem - it's because of what He did at Calvary. It's because He was born to die. He was born with one mission: to die for the sins of the world.

The reason we worship the King of Kings at Christmas is what He did on the cross. He died for your sins and my sins so that we could be made acceptable to God, so that we could come into a relationship with Him, so we could ultimately go and be with Him after this life.

Reflection Question: How does remembering Christ's ultimate mission change the way you celebrate His birth?

Dear Heavenly Father, as I celebrate the birth of Your Son, help me remember why He came. Thank You for planning our salvation before the foundation of the world. Thank You that Jesus willingly took on human flesh so He could die for my sins. Help me never take His sacrifice for granted. In Jesus' Name, amen.