For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. ( 2 Corinthians 5:21)
Many people celebrate Christmas without understanding the essence of what God has done for us, through the first Christmas. They celebrate the birth of Jesus, like they would celebrate any other birthday. But, His birth had a purpose that got fulfilled in His death and resurrection. The purpose was the ultimate exchange; which is mentioned in our main verse for today.
Jesus took our place, so that we may take His. He took our sins, so that we may have His righteousness. He took our shame, so that we may have His glory. He took our death, that we may have eternal life. When He was crucified, He became us on the Cross. God had said, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die (spiritual death)…” (Ezekiel 18:20). Romans 5:12 says, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.” Spiritual death is separation from God. Jesus took our place and experienced that separation from the Father when He hung on the Cross.
But thanks be unto God! Man’s salvation was consummated when Jesus Christ: the Lamb of God, was offered to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). But, He is not dead. He rose again and today we have risen together with Him, to be seated in heavenly places with Him. And now in Christ, we are the sons of God. This ultimate, divine exchange is what we must remember as we celebrate Christmas. You are a son of God because of Jesus Christ, our Lord and saviour. It’s all because of Him. Celebrate Him in your life, serve Him with all your heart and being!
Prayer:
Precious Father, thank you for sending Jesus Christ, my saviour. I rejoice, knowing that His sacrifice for sin was the ultimate sacrifice by which I now stand justified in your presence, in Jesus Mighty Name. Amen!
