And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord' (Luke 2:10-11).
Our world longs for a Savior . . .
Our world longs for a Savior to fill the God-sized hole in their hearts. There is a collective longing for the world to be made right again, and oftentimes, we look to the next election, generous entrepreneur, or athlete to use their platform to bring about “real change.” However, each time, we settle for the disappointing, consistent shortcomings that plague this world when we put our hope in another human being. The sad reality is most people stop there and don’t go deeper into the life-or-death question of who Jesus really is. He is either a liar, the Lord, or a lunatic. It is only one of those three.
There is only One who can fill that longing.
The longing we feel comes from our Creator, who is drawing people back to himself day by day. Have you felt that tug this year? For the world to be made right again and for a true hope we can rest in? The good news of the gospel is that Jesus is the One who fills that hole in our hearts.
This Christmas, I implore you to focus on the greatest gift the world has ever known.
No more longing for a politician to live up to our messianic expectations, an athlete to do more than is humanely possible, or a billionaire to spend or give in a way that makes the world right again. There is only one hope! His name is Jesus, and we celebrate that he has come. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Mike Cosper eloquently said, “There should be no question that Christmas is the greatest cause for joy that the world has known. Imagine if Christ hadn’t come. Imagine a life where there was no eternal hope, where we were left to try to redeem ourselves.”
- Through Jesus' birth, we have received the anticipation of forgiveness.
- Through his death, we trust in the sacrifice for forgiveness.
- Through his rising from the grave, we see his power over death and our assurance of forgiveness.
- Through his ascension into heaven, we know he is advocating on our behalf at the right hand of the Father for our forgiveness.
We are not left to redeem ourselves. Jesus came to redeem us, and with that comes a new beginning.
Kevin DeYoung stated it well: "It’s at Christmas where we see the real Deliverer, the real Judge, the real Conqueror. No one understood it completely at the time, but when Mary pushed out that baby, God pushed into the world the long-expected Prophet, Priest, and King. God gave his people a new law, a new temple, and a new sacrifice. Best of all, he gave his people a new beginning.”
Perhaps you feel a longing in your heart, too.
Will you trust in Jesus this Christmas for your forgiveness? For a new beginning in 2024? It is the best present you can experience and the best news you can tell others about. May you enter 2024 on mission with a full heart and focus on sharing this good news with others. On behalf of all the Berean Staff, Merry Christmas!
You're invited to Christmas at Berean!
We'd love to have you join us! Our Christmas Eve services are family-friendly and infused with beautiful music and a meaningful message. Plus, we'll close by singing "Silent Night" by candlelight.
- Classic Christmas Eve Services | 8:30 & 10:30 AM
- Modern Christmas Eve Services | 4 & 6 PM
Click the graphic below for more details. We can't wait to see you there!
