This verse in our Christmas verse study series is short, but has powerful message of hope.
The Context
These words were spoken by the angel of the Lord to Joseph, Mary's fiancee, in a dream. Imagine Joseph's joy and wonder as he learns not only that he can still take Mary as his wife, but also that her child is the Messiah whom he and the entire Jewish nation had been waiting for all these thousands of years.
"She shall bring forth a son...."
Take a moment to think about this: Jesus is God, yet he came into a corrupted world for sinners--for you and me. He left perfect heaven to be born in human flesh. He loves you that much.
"...and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins."
The name Jesus means "the Lord is salvation." This was Jesus' mission and purpose on earth--to provide salvation. He is the only way that we can escape eternal condemnation. Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humanity has been condemned to the punishment that God had declared: death. The only solution was for a perfect person to die in our place. The only perfect person is God, and so Jesus chose to pay the price for our sin. He willingly died on the cross so that--if we believe He is God and ask for His forgiveness--we can be forgiven. It's like the presents we are given at Christmas: it's already paid for and it's all yours if you will only receive it.
If you have not already believed in Jesus as your Savior, please do not wait! No one knows when their life will end. Be sure you know where you will find yourself when you cross over. If you have already received salvation, then praise the Lord! Thank Jesus for His gift and find renewed wonder in His love this Christmas season.
Merry Christmas!
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