The Word
This is the portion of our site where you find out what we stand for. This will be update periodicaly and written by a different band member each time.
Rest For Your Soul
I awoke at three o’clock in the morning on Christmas Day and thought about this. I finally decided that I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I put this on paper:
Another holiday season has come and gone. Christmas seems to mean many different things to many of us. For some of us, it means working later/more hours and having to deal with irritable customers. For many of us, we stress ourselves out in the process of shopping for gifts for our loved ones or even getting money to buy those gifts. For many of us younger people, we are anxious to know what Santa has in store for us on Christmas Day. We also spend time preparing to visit or receive relatives. For many, that means travel, and from at least watching the news, we know how turbulent that can be during the Christmas holiday. For many, visiting relatives also creates the challenge of getting along with people that we might find difficult. Finally, we might say that no matter what particular combination of "Christmas experiences" we might have that Christmas is an exciting/hectic time for all of us.
But there is another reason that Christmas should be exciting, and it is found in the original meaning of Christmas. That, of course, is the birth of Jesus Christ, one of the most pivotal figures in history. Today, I want to talk about one reason why Jesus was given that specific name. Back then, people were given names that had significance, much more so than today. Jesus literally means "God is salvation" or "God is the Savior." Christ means "anointed one" and was a title used by kings and high priests. When both words are put together, it clearly defines the reason Christ came to earth:
To be Our Savior.
There is no other name like it, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Many people today probably do not understand why they would need a savior or what Jesus came to save. Consider Jesus’ words from the book of Matthew:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (11:28-30)
So according to His words, did Christ come to judge us and make feel bad for all the "bad things" we’ve done? No! His words bring comfort and hope. He came just for us, to help each and every one of us. Jesus loves us so much that He was willing to die to pay a debt He did not owe. That debt was our sins. According to ancient practices, in order to be forgiven of your sins, you had to sacrifice an animal every year. God sent Jesus, His Son, to be the ultimate sacrifice. The Son of God died once to save everyone from his or her sins. Jesus came to set you free from your sins! Three days later, God raised Him from the dead, and He went back to heaven. Now, Jesus lives forever, and He wants us to accept His free gift of salvation, but it is our own choice whether we accept it or not. Despite the fact that Christmas is over, put your faith in Jesus, and find rest for your soul in Him.
Previous Messages
Something Beautiful
All for the Glory of God
Carried
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