So, why a birth in a manger?
Why do things the hard way? To go from heaven to hovel, perfection to destruction, in the presence of God to living among men.
What drove Jesus to take such an incredible leap into the trauma of a world in total turmoil?
We find the answer in 1 Timothy 1:15-17:
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
This is a long passage, so let’s turn it into a simple logic chain.
Mercy ➝ Patience ➝ Belief ➝ Eternal Life
Four markers. Four truths. Four interwoven links to prove the reason for Christmas.
Link No. 1: Jesus came to save sinners by his mercy.
There is one way to salvation. It comes through Christ. Without his life and death on the cross, we are without hope.
Link No. 2: He offered his mercy to display his perfect patience.
Jesus is patiently waiting for us to come to him. He doesn’t practice slash and burn. His calling is gentle.
Link No. 3: His perfect patience draws the sinner to believe in him.
We learn to trust in the loving nature of Jesus through his patience with us. He comes to us over and over, renewing his connection with us, until we understand his redeeming nature.
Link No. 4: He showers his gift of eternal life on the redeemed.
This is our hope of salvation. Not money, friends, or social standing. Those might come to us, but without our hope of heaven, the rest is only a mist in the moment.
This year, when we tell the Christmas story, include the rest. It’s more than a baby in a manger. It’s a life lived to bring you (and the world) to redemption in Christ.
Let’s celebrate Christmas and not just at Christmas.
Let’s celebrate Christ all year long.
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