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The Christmas Holiday is centered around God sending his Son into the world. It’s important that we not only remember the “what” of Christmas, but also the “why”.

We find in scripture that God sent Jesus into the world as an ultimate sacrifice for sin to:

·         show God’s truthfulness and faithfulness to his word and promises (Rom 15:8)

·         be glorified among the gentiles for His mercy (Rom 15:9)

·         show God’s righteousness (Rom 3:25-26)

·         to save sinners (1 Tim 1:15)

This time of year can be very chaotic, stressful, and anxiety laden. Let’s remember to keep our eyes fixed on the main thing; Christ! And remember God’s good purposes and blessings that accompany the baby in the manger. What a privilege it is to know and serve a truthful God who is righteous and just, and who made a way for sinners to be reconciled to himself. Let us glorify His name forever!

In the first two chapters of Romans, Paul recounts the human dilemma in a profound way. While we might like to turn the chapter and focus on the good news, Paul instead reiterates the problem. Everyone sins, and all are responsible for their sin – religious (Jew), irreligious (Gentile), the churched (those with God’s Law), the unchurched (those without God’s Law). In chapter 2, Paul highlights a less obvious form of sin; hypocrisy and moral superiority that judges others while committing the same sins (Rom 2:1). Are you presuming on God’s patience and kindness, reasoning that your sin (even sin in the heart) is not a problem (Rom 2:4)? Are you relying on religious acts or religious status for righteousness before God (Rom 2:17-24)?

Jesus Christ is the only one who fulfilled the law perfectly. Every person desperately needs His righteousness to stand before God on judgment day. Christ’s righteousness (the righteousness of God) is made available, for free, through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe (Rom 3:21-22).

The focal point of Philippians 3:8-11 is Christ. What a privilege we have to know Jesus in a personal and relational way. The value of an abiding relationship with Jesus should greatly surpass the value of all things in this present age (Phil 3:8-9). Verse 10 tells us we can know Jesus by experiencing the power of his resurrection (through his indwelling Spirit), and by sharing in Christ’s sufferings. Both are necessary to know Jesus as we ought. What do you hold of higher value than knowing Christ? Let us seek repentance where necessary, and pray for ongoing clarity to see the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord.

Philippians 2:12-13 is a very important text relating to Christian sanctification. This text does not indicate that salvation can be earned or worked for, but that God expects those who have been saved through faith alone, to live out that salvation through obedience to Christ and his word. Our joyful, faith-filled obedience is motivated by Christ’s example of obedience, and the knowledge that God is working in us to supply the desire to obey, and the power to carry it out. The Christian is responsible for obedience, yet it is God who empowers it. Therefore, let us earnestly seek God as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). We can have full confidence that he who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Phil 1:6).