Jesus' Big Give Was The Loving Sacrifice of His Life

Today, we reflect on the true purpose of Christmas, drawing parallels between a surprise visit by President George W. Bush to troops in Iraq and the arrival of Jesus Christ. Just as the President showed up unexpectedly to serve and express love to soldiers, Christmas celebrates the Creator coming to serve humanity. Jesus, born in a manger, came with a clear purpose: to save us from our sins. Understanding the purpose of Christmas brings clarity and direction to our lives, much like understanding the purpose of any object or task helps us appreciate and utilize it better.

The story of Mary and Joseph illustrates the profound impact of understanding one's purpose. Mary, a young teenager, accepted her role as the mother of the Messiah, while Joseph, despite initial doubts, embraced his role as Jesus' earthly father after divine reassurance. Their stories remind us that knowing our purpose can transform our lives and decisions.

The name Jesus, meaning "God saves," encapsulates His mission. Unlike the political savior many expected, Jesus came to offer spiritual salvation, a concept deeply rooted in Jewish tradition where forgiveness required a blood sacrifice. Jesus' birth was the beginning of His journey to the cross, where He would fulfill His purpose by offering His life as a loving sacrifice.

As we celebrate Christmas, let us not waste the gift of Jesus' life. Instead, let it transform how we interact with others, guiding us to love and serve as He did. The story of a mother protecting her child during a plane crash serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus' sacrificial love. This Christmas, may we embrace the true meaning of the season and let it shape our lives.