This Christmas, take some time to really think about the nativity scene. God sending His Son down from perfect heaven to a very not so perfect world. Why? Because this world is corrupt, immoral, and vile, and Jesus was willing to come and combat sin on our behalf. Every human being is incapable of becoming victorious over their sinful state on their own. I need deliverance, you need deliverance, and Jesus came to be our Redeemer.
What does it mean to redeem? In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, redeem means to buy back, repurchase, win back; to free from what distresses or harms; free from captivity by payment of ransom. One is cleared when redeemed.
When Adam and Eve bit into the apple, sin erupted like a violent volcano. God had no choice but to remove His beloved humans from His pristine home. This evacuation sent Adam, Eve, and every human being born afterwards into the hands of the enemy, known as Satan.
What was God going to do now with His wayward children?
The only thing He could do that would exude His love over all that His hands had made. He would send His one and only Son to become the Redeemer for all mankind. Back in Jesus’ day beginning with His resurrection from the dead, which happened 33 short years after His birth, every person who chooses to believe and receive Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord will be purchased back. The ransom over your life has been paid. Make no mistake, Satan has a tight hold on you. He will fight Christ and His angels for your soul.
One choice. One decision. One turn in your heart towards Jesus will catapult you back into the presence of God!
Satan is powerless where Jesus resides. Satan and his posse of demons are rendered useless and are forced to submit to Christ! When you follow Christ and obey the voice of God, you rise above all earthly circumstances and abide in the presence of God on the Rock of your salvation which is Jesus Christ your Lord.
From this vantage point, God fights your battles for you as you learn to trust Him more and more each day. God’s love is truly undeserved favor towards you. When you choose to believe God, follow His Son, and learn to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice and obey, God takes care of everything else in your life. It really is a beautiful way to live.
Like I said, take some time to really think about the nativity scene. Be brave and go deep by asking God to reveal new truths. God’s Word never grows stale. God is constantly talking to your soul. Are you listening? Check out these truths:
Peter spoke of God’s wonderful gift in Acts 15:11, “We believe that we are all saved the same way, by the undeserved grace of our Lord Jesus.”
1 Peter 5:10 ESV says, “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV says “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Romans 11:6 ESV says, “But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.”
Ephesians 2:5 ESV says, “Even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved.”
Romans 6:14 ESV says, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.”
Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! United In Love is taking a holiday break. I am going to enjoy my children and grandchildren. See you back in 2023. God is going to move mightily within each of us. Prepare your heart for Him now.
Carol J German 