On the morning of Christmas Eve, I rushed out of the house early to run errands and get last minute Christmas gifts. And in the midst of all the hustle and lists and spending, I failed to acknowledge the greatest gift of all. On Christmas Day, in an effort to have everything perfect for the various celebrations, I again failed to see the gift of God.
The Christ. Anointed One. Son of God. Immanuel – God With Us. Prince of Peace. Son of the Most High. Mighty God. Wonderful. Counselor. Messiah. King of Kings. Lord of Lords. Lamb of God. Savior. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus.
As you celebrate Christmas today, remember that the birth of Jesus Christ affords us a chance to be saved and that is the most wonderful gift of all.
In the original Greek language, Jesus means “The Lord Saves” or “Yahweh Saves” The origin of the word “saves” implies “to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health.”* It also implies the ability to save from the penalties of judgment.*
As you open and give presents today, remember the salvation of Yahweh.
Jesus is able to rescue us from the depths of sin and make us new. Yahweh is able to take the one you may consider the worst sinner and welcome him in with open arms. Jesus can deliver us from every chain – fear, worries, sin, shortcomings, failure, addiction, shame, depression, etc. Only Jesus can. Not you. Not money. Not your lectures. Only Jesus can.
As we open gifts and share our precious family traditions, say a prayer for those in your life that have yet to know that Yahweh Saves. Say a prayer for the one who still looking to do everything without his Divine intervention. Say a prayer for the ones you love who seem to be farthest away from His Saving Grace.
Father, I thank you that your salvation is not for an elect few, for I may not have made the cut. I lift up ______________ and pray that he/she experiences your salvation today. I pray that your rescuing hand will pull my loved one out of the depths of darkness and into your marvelous light.
*source: Strong’s Greek Lexicon
