I was e-mailed this article from Relevant Magazine: Avoiding Easter at Christmas. In it, the author seeks to help us focus on the wonder of the incarnation. I appriciate his heart and intention. However, the article subtly undermines the value of the cross. You will never find the apostles talking about the incarnation without also pointing to the substitution.
I propose that we do not remove the cross from our Christmas thinking or celebration. I propose that we never think of the birth, life, miracles, teaching, or resurrection of Jesus Christ without also thinking about how He died in our place (1 Cor. 2:1-5). Thankfully, Jesus did not just die for us. He did take on flesh, live a sinless life, and rise victoriously. But gloriously, He did experience the wrath that we deserved because of our sin.
1 Timothy 1:15: "This is a trustworthy statement that deserves full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners..."
Matthew 1:21: "You shall call His name Jesus for He will save His people from their sins."
4 comments:
I think you're right on target Justin. We are not in a pre-cross world. The incarnate Jesus crucified is the foolish message that saves those who believe.
May we always preach the cross at Christmas!
Right on the target! I am so thankful for the Birth of Christ, The Cross, and the Resurrection of Christ. We need the whole gospel to share why we behold Him as our Savior.
Hungry to eat His Word,
BoldLion
Christmas without Calvary would be meaningless! The virgin birth made possible the vicarious death! The resurrection is the rest of the story!
We are called to proclaim the Gospel - the whole Gospel especially at Christmas.
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