Jesus- SAVIOR

Our Great, Great, Great....Grandfather and Grandmother, Adam and Eve, sinned and were banished from the Garden of Eden, from the beautiful, Holy presence of God (and Jesus).  From that moment, the world was thrown into chaos and Evil seemingly defeated Good.  Men would strive to find peace on earth, forced to toil for their food, wrestling with their own sinfulness, trying to find sense and Truth.  A rigid system of laws were given to govern them which required Priests and sacrifices.  No longer could they approach God, but only a select few could enter His presence, and even then, on a limited basis.

God called a people unto Himself through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and then, demonstrated His desire to rescue them.  He gave a hint to His plan, as He asked Abraham to sacrifice his only son on the altar.  Just as Abraham was about to kill his own son, God intervened and provided the sacrifice.  (See Genesis 22).  Throughout the trials and travails of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, God always proved faithful.  He was always there, despite their failings.   Jacob's son, Joseph, endured undue suffering as his brothers sold him into slavery, and later, he was falsely accused and imprisoned, but God's faithful plan guided him to Egypt, along with God's people. (Genesis 37-47)

God's people ended up in slavery in Egypt, and He raised up Moses to lead them out of their bondage.  After several miraculous signs and the blood of a lamb, God's people were delivered into the Promised Land.  The Law still prevailed and Judges were raised up to rule the people.  However, they were looking for a king.  In their limited understanding, they thought they wanted a powerful king who displayed impressive physical attributes or possessions or wisdom.  A young, shepherd boy named, David, who relied solely on God's power, showed us that God's ways are not our ways.  It was in the line of this unassuming King David that another king would be born.

Joseph, a descendant of David, engaged to the virgin, Mary, would become the father of Jesus.  This man, Jesus, would do many miracles.  He would try to help the people see that He came to give them new life.  He called Himself a Shepherd, coming to gather His lost sheep.  Just as the people were celebrating Passover, commemorating God's rescuing His people from death by the blood of the lamb, Jesus shed His blood on a Cross as He became the sacrifice.  As He breathed His last breath, the curtain in the Temple which divided man from God was torn in two.

The sacrifice for the sins of man was satisfied in Jesus, and we were invited back into the Garden of Eden, back into Communion with our God.  Jesus Christ saved us from our sins.

Do you believe in Jesus?  If so, this is why you celebrate Christmas.  Jesus was born to give you the gift of Salvation.