There is one reason for this season.
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'” Matt 1:20-21 (NIV)
Joseph received the heavenly news that Mary would give birth to the Son of God and that He was to be named Jesus. The name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name, Joshua, which means, “Yahweh is salvation.” Jesus came on mission to bring forth salvation. The Christmas mission is the story of redemption. The reason for this season is to celebrate and articulate the wonderful news that Jesus saves!
God initiated reconciliation. The Creator of the universe has sought to redeem His fallen creation. In His infinite mercy and grace, God demonstrated the ultimate portrait of compassion by allowing His Son to pay the penalty for our sin. God gave us His best so that we could have unbroken fellowship with Him for all eternity.
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Cor 5:21 (NIV)
There is a reason to sing this season. There is a reason to serve this season. Jesus is the reason!
Pursuing God,
Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care