Do We Need Christmas?

 “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”  – John 11:25-26

Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in April 15, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth in a tragic manner that would forever be memorialized in the hearts of Americans.  Considered to be one of America’s greatest Presidents, he did considerable things to get this country through the Civil War, and reunite the country afterwards.  His Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves across the Confederate states and eventually across the entire United States of America.  Upon his death, there were definite dividing lines between those who defended his works and those who opposed it.  His grave was the site of no less than 5 examinations over the course of twenty five years following his death.  Each in an attempt to prove that he was indeed dead and that his body had not been “taken up” as had been the rumors of the day.  It was in September 1901 that his body was exhumed for the last time and sure enough, he was still there as was witnessed by 23 individuals at the sight on that day.

Jesus Christ was born to break the bondage and slavery of all mankind, from the evil and unrighteousness of Satan in the world.  In contrast to Mr. Lincoln though, three days after His death and burial, Jesus Christ was not in the grave.  This was witnessed by no less than 6, but likely many more on that glorious resurrection morning.  The two guards, Mary and the other Mary, Peter and John are captured in scripture as witnessing the empty tomb with the stone rolled away.  Even more wonderful though is the large number of witnesses to Jesus Christ walking amongst the people and talking with them after his death and resurrection.

Jesus Christ was born for the resurrection.  He claimed so Himself numerous times throughout the New Testament.  He was born that man no more shall die, not referring to a physical death, but a spiritual & eternal death.  God is perfect, and demands perfection to enter into His kingdom of heaven.  You and I are incapable, despite our best efforts of achieving the perfection that is required to meet God’s standards.  The gates of Hell are wide and inviting to all of mankind as the easy path through life.  Sin is tempting and impossible to avoid in our human state, but Jesus Christ because of His divine soul and incarnate birth was capable of resisting Satan right through the point of death on the cross.  His death and three days in the depths of the earth seemed an apparent victory for Satan.  It was on that third day though, through His resurrection that Jesus Christ broke the chains of slavery for all time and provided a perfect sacrifice for all of mankind’s sin and allow us to enter into God’s perfect heaven through His sinless perfect life. 

He lived 33 years of sinless perfection in God’s eyes.  He resisted the temptations of this life, the trials and pitfalls that face all of us.  He overcame pride, envy and jealousy through humility and a servant’s heart.  He loved unconditionally, and opened the door of heaven to all mankind, not just a chosen few.  If His resurrection is false, then all of Christianity is false as well.  The foundation of Jesus Christ birth, death and purpose on this earth was for the resurrection to take place and create the path of salvation for us to be redeemed back into the grace of our Father in heaven.  There is no other way for you nor I to cleanse our sinful life enough to enter into God’s eternity.  Good works will not cleanse your soul, prayer will not cleanse your soul and money certainly cannot cleanse your soul.  Belief in the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, alone will wash away the sins of this life and allow you and me to stand before the Lord perfect.  We need Christmas, because we needed a Savior and a path of salvation to draw us back into the arms of God the Father.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
Your Son Jesus Christ came into this world for the purpose of providing a path of salvation.  Your Word tells us that through His death and resurrection You have opened the door to heaven for those of us that believe on Him.  Forgive me for my sinful flesh and my worldly desires.  Wash my heart and mind anew as we continue to celebrate Your Son’s birth.  Help me to rekindle my spirit with Your word and Your promise of eternity with You.  Strengthen me this day to walk in Your grace and share Your light with all that I meet.  In Your name we pray - Amen

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