The Savior From Bethlehem

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus it must be remembered that He existed with God the Father before His human birth as expressed in John 1:1-3 and Colossians 1:16. In heaven Jesus was, and is, the exact nature of God. He left His heavenly abode to be “born in the likeness of men”(Philippians 2:6-7). When He came to earth, Jesus gave up manifesting His divine and glorified nature, and limited Himself to His earthly body.

Through the miracle of the virgin birth Jesus “became flesh and dwelt among us”(John 1:14). Dr. David Jeremiah (2009) says in reference to the virgin birth, the “Jesus of heaven, the Son of God, was miraculously born through Mary without the agency of a man, having been conceived by the Holy Spirit so that Jesus Christ could literally be said to be the Son of God on earth(although He was already-and forever-the Son of God in heaven, before He was born to Mary).”*

Jesus came to earth to be The Savior of those who choose to accept Him for who He is. Author James A. Harnish (2012) writes, “God has intersected human history to accomplish God’s saving, redeeming purpose for this world in ways that go beyond human power to contain or control.” He states further that “advent begins with the awareness that we cannot save ourselves.” The birth of Jesus was prophesied in Isaiah 9:6. “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.”

Thirty-three years after He was born into the world, Jesus was crucified on a cross, according to history, but three days later He rose from the dead to give us eternal victory over sin and death, and life forevermore. For those who want to go to heaven He’s the open door. No one has ever explained the empty grave except for those whose souls He saved. When one accepts Jesus for who He said He is, His Holy Spirit comes into a person’s life and forever lives.

That is why it can be said, though centuries apart, that those who believe in Him, have Christmas in their heart. So as you go throughout the year, you can also say, Christmas lives within your heart, each and every day.

If you want peace and hope that this world does not give, look to the Savior from Bethlehem.

Reference:

The Dr. David Jeremiah Study Bible, page 1343, Hachette Book Group, 2009

When God Comes Down” Abingdon Press, 2012, page 11