Unwrap Jesus

This Christmas unwrap Jesus. Maybe it's been a long time since you have read the Bible. Maybe you've never read it. Read what God did in the sending of his Son as a great gift to forgive all of your sins.

Luke 2:10-11

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I love seeing my kids open their Christmas presents. As they are tearing through the paper and they begin to realize what’s inside, you can just see their faces lighting up. Their smiles break out. And their eyes just twinkle as they get those gifts. Receiving a gift can cause great joy for us. It’s a demonstration of love. It’s a demonstration that someone cares about us.

On the night that Jesus was born, angels appeared to humble shepherds to demonstrate that God cares for them and that God loves them. This is what the angels said

“Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people: Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11)

I wonder how those shepherds reacted when they first saw the angel. We’re told actually that they were terrified. They saw that holy being and they were struck with fear. The first thing that the angel said was do not be afraid. Why didn’t the shepherds have to be afraid? The angel continued because I have good news for you. News of great joy. And that great joy, that news that the angel was sharing was that God had given a special gift. Today a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord.

That gift that the shepherds received was not just for them. The good news is that Jesus was born as the Savior of the whole world. Its joy for all people. Yes, even you. God wants you to know that he loves you. That he cares for you. That he thinks of you. He sent His Son Jesus to be the greatest gift that he could give for you.

Jesus suffered and died to take away your sins so that God could love you and forgive you. We look at our earthly lives and we see so many needs. Our soul has needs too. The chief (need) is the forgiveness of sins. God has given you that gift in the person of Jesus.

So this Christmas unwrap Jesus. Maybe it’s been a long time since you have read the Bible. Maybe you’ve never read it. Read what God did in the sending of his Son as a great gift to forgive all of your sins. Then your Christmas will be full of joy. God grant it for Jesus sake, amen.

Timothy Hartwig
Timothy Hartwig

Tim Hartwig is currently serving as President of the Evangelical Lutheran Theological Seminary.

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