"Christ's death was the purpose of His birth; Calvary was the reason for Bethlehem." - C.J. Mahaney (Cross-Centered Life).
So often, it is easy for us to accept one but not the other. His birth is ok because it conjures images of a sleeping baby in a manger, surrounded by animals. But His death is a whole other story. The world doesn't see a Savior hanging on a Cross but perhaps a man and a myth. That baby turned out to be someone wholly unexpected and therefore, not easily accepted. But we cannot separate them. We have to take them together because that is who Jesus is in His entirety. "God sent His Son to live a uniquely perfect life and die a unique death as the substitute for our sins."
What a way to remember this year. In light of all the ups and downs, joys and frustrations, that throughout it all, we end the year with Christ's birth. A reminder of what we have already received and the grace that rules our lives.
:) Merry CHRISTmas (season) everyone.
