The holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year. There are warm gatherings with family and friends, and for many, it is a time of reflection and searching for connection with God. It is the season of thanks as we celebrate the birth of Christ—the greatest gift the world has ever known!
So, why is Jesus' birth so significant? What does it all mean? First of all, we have to know that God created mankind for fellowship. Genesis tells us that He walked in the cool of the evening with Adam, and He wants to walk with us each and every day of our lives, too. But then Adam sinned. He disobeyed God. That sin, that disobedience is what brings separation from God.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We've all missed the mark. We've all made mistakes. We've all been separated from God. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." God didn't want to have a gap between Him and us, so He sent His Son, Jesus, to bridge the gap. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins on the cross 2,000 years ago. He died so that we could live. But then, He rose again and conquered death once and for all! I love what it says in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." That's the gift of salvation—the greatest gift of all!
How do we receive this gift? Romans 10:9-10 tells us, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." When we surrender our lives to Him, the result is peace. The result is freedom from condemnation. The result is joy, blessing, strength, righteousness and connection with God for eternity!
If you've never accepted the love and forgiveness that Jesus has to offer, there's no better time than now. I'm not talking about becoming religious and trying to be good enough; I'm talking about having a relationship with the Creator of the universe through His Son, Jesus Christ. It's so simple. Just pray this prayer in your heart. Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner and I need a savior. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died, paying the price for my sins, and rose again. I ask You to come into my life. I receive You as my Lord and Savior.