Tis the season, and Jesus is the reason, right?

What if I told you that’s not entirely so? Did your defenses just rise up within you?

Hold on, let me explain.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem and laid in that manger for one reason: to die on the cross for you and me.

He would live a sinless life, no dishonoring his parents, no lies, no envy, no gossip, no gluttony, no murder – not even by words, no sin whatsoever. He came to heal the hurting and to set captives free.

He didn’t come to bring peace, but a sword. Yes, the angel declared ‘Peace on Earth, good will toward man!’ He was announcing the Messiah’s birth that was in that moment, peace.

He was born far from his parents’ home to receive a whipping that often killed, to carry a cross the long way through the streets then up the hill, to be nailed to that cross and lifted up for all to see. He was born to die for you and me.

Thus, the reason for this season is you, me, and every human who ever lived, and He did it to give us victory over the sin and death that destroys us. He was born that little baby to grow into an obedient boy to become a humble man to be tortured and die for us, His reason.

Thankfully, He did not remain in that grave and it is this fact that seals the fate of sin and death. Those two are defeated because that Baby was born, lived, died, and rose again. Walk free today, my friend.

You are the reason.

Now don’t get all arrogant and proud over that. It’s your sins that drove those nails in His hands. Instead of arrogance, employ humility and extreme gratitude. Share the truth of this season with all you come across. We all need His hope.

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

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