The Old Testament: Backstory to ChristmasSample

Day 6: Understanding the Backstory Gives More Meaning to the Christmas Story

Hopefully, we now have a better appreciation of how miraculous the Christmas story truly is because we have a better understanding of all the many variables that come into play surrounding the birth, life, and death of Jesus. 

By understanding the true purpose of Jesus’ main mission, we understand He was born to die as an atonement for our sins so that we can be reconciled to God and be in a relationship with Him. We can also see how Jesus lived His life as an example to us and how He taught us about our Heavenly Father. We can grasp the fact that He was the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament and He brought a new covenant to us that is based on grace and not the law. By recognizing that God had chosen to work through unlikely people throughout the Old Testament to achieve His plan, we can better understand those He chose to be a part of Jesus’ story. Plus, we can be cognizant that even today, He still chooses to accomplish His plans through everyday people like you and me. 

The Missing Piece: A Plot Twist

If Jesus had come to earth, led the sinless life that He did, walked in total obedience to God, loved everyone unconditionally, then sacrificed His life for us on the cross when He died, and then stopped there, He still would have left one ESSENTIALLY important part of His assignment unfinished. You see, Jesus’ story does not end with His death on the cross. Three days after His crucifixion, He was resurrected and He emerged a victor over death, hell, and the grave!! Because of Jesus’ victory, we can have eternal life by asking Him into our hearts and allowing Him to be the King of our lives. 

Connection to Our Story

How about you? Have you recognized your inability to be holy enough to meet God’s standard of sinless perfection? Have you accepted God’s gift of grace by asking Jesus to come into your heart, forgive you of your sins, and sit on the throne of your life? If you have not done so already, I invite you to do so TODAY!  By doing so, you will become a new creation in Christ who has a new purpose which is to serve our righteous redeemer and king, Jesus!