Stepping Stones: Born To Die

December 22, 2011

Transformational Thought

Our family was blessed with a new baby girl this year. As her grandmother, I began to dream (as we all do) about her life and the wonderful possibilities that would be available to her as she grows up through the different stages of life. Wow, I realized, she was born to live!

Then it made me think of the One whose purpose in life was being born to die! But as Eternal God, He could not die. So on that first Christmas over 2,000 years ago, He became the unique God-man when He entered human history as a babe in a manger. He knew when he left the splendors of Heaven to come down to earth, becoming once and forever a member of the human race, that He was born to die! Our Heavenly Father gives us a glimpse of that truth through Jesus’ physical birth in that humble stable in Bethlehem. This powerful reality was made so evident through the simple “swaddling clothes” in which He was wrapped - clothes set apart for burial of the dead!

The overwhelming truth of this is that He was willing to die. He was not forced or coerced. Scripture tells us that …”who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God. But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of man.” (Philippians 2:6-7)

It’s Christmas again, and for me that means Jesus, simply Jesus! And despite man’s attempt to distort and destroy it in ever way possible, the old, old story has never changed. The simple truth is that man was lost in sin, separated from God, without hope … without eternal life, and then JESUS CAME! Imagine that! Into this troubled world came an event that changed everything! God entered human history. God became a man!

Jesus left heaven for one reason, to die on a cross at Calvary to reconcile to God everyone who would believe in Him. The sinless, spotless Lamb of God gave Himself so that we might have eternal life. Born to die! What love! What sacrifice! Darkness pierced with light! Never has there been a greater need for the Savior of the world! In this dark hour of history, Jesus shines more brightly than ever as the “Light of the World!” It was in the “fullness of time” that He came and when the time is right He will fulfill His promise to return and take us home. That is the Christmas message! That is our assured hope!

Today, think of your destiny. What would you die for? Would you have chosen to be born if your knew your main role was to die a violent, premature death? For the Christian, everyday is Christmas! But in this season that we set apart to commemorate the unique event of the Incarnation of our Lord, Satan will use everything he can to take our eyes off of Jesus and the true meaning of Christmas … that He was BORN TO DIE! FOR YOU! May you make your Christmas one that will fill your heart with this truth. Your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I can never begin to thank You enough for sending our Lord Jesus to die for my sins and every sin ever committed in the human race. Thank You for His willingness to fulfill Your plan to reconcile man back to You. I can never begin to understand such love. I am humbled and overwhelmed when I think that Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, left Heaven to identify himself with the filth of this world of sin. Oh Father, purify my life so that I may be obedient to You, live the life that is pleasing to You, and bring honor and glory to Him. I pray this in the name of the One who was born to die, Jesus Christ; And all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6