When my oldest son was about five years old, he jumped into our uncle’s hot tub while my back was turned at a family party. When I turned around, he was nowhere to be found. So, I quickly scanned the backyard and looked down into the hot tub, and saw him under the churning bubbles of the foamy water.
I knew immediately that my son had no way of saving himself. He couldn’t swim yet, and the water was well over his head. I did the only thing a father could and should do. I jumped in to rescue him.
The whole scene happened in a matter of moments. But those were precious moments. If I hadn’t been there and noticed his desperate need for help and then moved into action, the outcome would have been catastrophic. (And our Christmas party would have drastically lost its fun factor.)
Now I’m not trying to make myself the hero of my own story. But I am trying to make a point.
This Christmas, chances are high that you’re going to attend some sort of party or event. If you do, I hope you don’t have to leave because your clothes are wet. But more importantly, I don’t want you to forget the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas is about the Savior being born… for you.
When you could not save yourself, Jesus, your savior, came. This is precisely what the angels told the shepherds that first Christmas night when Jesus was born.
The Bible says, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12
Do you know what a savior is? A savior is one who delivers and rescues. That’s what Jesus came to do for you. He came to save you from your sins.
The shepherds weren’t the only ones to be told that Christmas would bring us a savior. As Joseph considered breaking off the wedding to Mary, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)
This is the Christmas gift that keeps giving all year long. Jesus, your savior, has come to save you from your sins. God showed his great love for you by sending Christ to die for you while you were still a sinner and unable to save yourself. (Romans 5:8 paraphrased)
If you’re going to keep Christ in your Christmas this year, don’t forget it. And remember, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:17)
Now maybe you don’t feel very rescued at the moment. The hurt, pain, guilt, and shame are too overwhelming. If that’s you, take a moment to call out to Jesus, your rescuer. Ask for his strength, healing, and forgiveness. Only He can pull you out of the darkness and into the light this Christmas.
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