Often times we turn to the gospels of Matthew and Luke to find the story of Jesus’s birth. However, did you know that Paul, the Apostle, also spoke on this most magnificent event also? What I am saying is true, and we can find this reference in Galatians, chapter 4, starting with verse 1. It reads, 3“now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.” (Galatians 4:1-7) As was taught, before Jesus’s birth we were all in bondage because of the law. Therefore, our sins were heavy and we needed a Savior to help us, while bringing forgiveness and mercy in our lives. So Jesus came, even while under the law, in order to redeem us the law also. And which law is this? It is the law of Moses, of which Jesus came to fulfill with the cross. Because Jesus was raised up and sacrificed Himself for our sins, we are no longer under those laws, for He is the last lamb to be slain, which is called, the Lamb of God. Through this, we are adopted in through faith as children of God.
All people that have faith in Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, are redeemed and no longer in slavery because of the laws of Moses. Instead, they are adopted into the fold of Christ, where we are commanded to follow Him and do as He says. There are two specific commandments that He commanded us to live by. Which Jesus said, 1“thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Therefore, we ought to obey these two commandments, of which the Holy Spirit is able to help us. So what about the ten commandments? These laws are still important since they are important to Jesus. Even Jesus told the rich man about them, when asking about being salvation. It reads, 2“and when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.” (Mark 10:17-20) Therefore, the commandments taught by Jesus and His disciples, we ought to live by through the Holy Spirit as our guide.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I am grateful for this Christmas day. It is a wonderful day to celebrate Your birth. Though it is always an honor to think of You throughout the year, this time is so good, in that it is set apart to honor You and Your glorious birth. Thank You for coming down to redeem us from the laws of Moses. Those laws were heavy and often caused people to fall into sin and slavery. So You came and fulfilled them with the cross, of which You bore the sins of the world. Thank You for caring so much for us all, as to be the Lamb of God who paid the payment for sins, once and for all. Therefore, our faithfulness to You is what saves us now. I declare this in prayer, for I want all people to know that only You can save us. It is our faith that makes our lives whole. You are able to take the life that we are in now and help us turn from our sins, through repentance, because of our belief that moves us. I love You, Lord. You are the Savior of all. All things are possible because You came down to earth and did what we could not. No more am I on a path that leads to destruction, sadness, guilt, shame, and regret, for You are at the head of my life. I am now found joy, peace, happiness, love, and forgiveness. Thank You for leading me out of temptation and into a much better life, that loves and honors You while loving my neighbor as myself. I trust in You, God, to lead my life and to help me walk uprightly in Your sight. All I want to do is please You and do what You say. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.