Redemption's Birth!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Today's Passage: Psalm 40
Memory Verse: Ps. 40:3

Of all the things this season represents, the one we often forget is "redemption".  Redemption is defined as deliverance, or rescue.  It's also defined as atonement for guilt.  More importantly, redemption is defined as recovery by payment.  Yes!  Jesus was born miraculously in order to die sacrificially.  He is the payment for the recovery of God's people.

Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption.  Therefore, being able to relive the story of His birth yields awesome perspective and meaning for the rest of His life.  It's like being able to see your child's life in its entirety, just before the doctor tells you you're pregnant.  Anyway, that true perspective we have makes it easier to turn away from the world and follow Him.  Psalms 40:4 says "Blessed are you who give yourselves over to God, turn your backs on the world's "sure thing" ignore what the world worships.  This verse is special because at the time of Jesus' birth, the world was worshipping all kinds of things, including King Herod.  But when people found out about Mary's baby boy, their hearts began to change.  It's so good to know He's still changing hearts today.

Give yourself totally to God this holiday season.  When you do, the blessings of the Lord will soon follow.  Part of the blessing is His promise to never leave you or forsake you.  He's already demonstrated His undying love by leaving His throne and coming to Earth to be born in a barn.  All we have to do is turn away from "for sure" (yeah right) things of the world, and give ourselves to Him.

Prayer: Father, Christmas really comes every day of the year for me.  Every time I think of what You did through Jesus, my heart rejoices.  May I be an example of Your redemption for the whole world to see -- not just during this season, but every day of the year.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.