Devotionals

When the Way to God Opened Up

by Cheryl Weber
12/26/19
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“They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11 NASB).

We’ve just finished another Christmas season. But its message is meant to be lived out year-round.  At Christmas, God came not in wrath but as a helpless baby, not to be served but to serve, not for an earthly throne but a cross. Jesus is the embodiment of God, the very image of the Father. Another name for him is Emmanuel meaning “God with us.” He is no longer distant but intimate. This message transforms our hearts and lives, reaches out to every nation, tribe, and language. 

This truth is illustrated by the visit of the three wise men to the infant Savior. Until Jesus was born, only the Jews were God’s chosen people, worshiping him from afar. Endless animal sacrifices atoned for their sins. The high priest alone was allowed to enter the Holy of Holies (God’s intimate presence) and then only once a year after a special cleansing ceremony.

But Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice. When he died, he took our sins on his own shoulders and gave us his righteousness so we could be made perfect, accepted by the Father and recipients of eternal life. He is our flawless High Priest who opened the way to the Holy of Holies, to God’s presence, a relationship available to everyone everywhere, not just the Jews. All who accept his gift of salvation will become his chosen and holy people, indwelt and empowered by his Spirit, enabled to bring his gospel of hope, love, and new life to a dying world.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for the eternal message of Christmas. I accept it for myself and choose to make it my life-long purpose. Amen