I have a confession to make- I can never sing all of the verses of Silent Night on Christmas Eve without crying. I cannot sing Silent Night because I cannot help but think about the fact that this baby born in a barn in Bethlehem more than 2006 years ago was born solely to die on my behalf.
The realization that God would send His own Son to die for me, even more that God would send His Son to die for me while I was a sinner, is an overpowering thought for me every Christmas Eve. Even more powerfully, God sent His Son to die for my sins whether or not I acknowledge that sacrifice- Christ died once for all sin.
Today, as I celebrate my Savior’s birth, I also remember that He was born so that He could die for me. With that thought, I realize that I do not cry because I am sad, but because I am joyful that I am saved by the grace of a Savior who was born, did die, and did rise again for me and that I have the gift of faith in that miracle that began with His birth.
So, Merry Christmas, fellow redeemed, your Savior was born today. Amen.
DLH
Amen.
Merry Christmas to you and your bride.