The Babe of Bethlehem

The Babe of Bethlehem had characteristics that could be—and can be—found in other babies. The Bible tells us that He grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Lk. 2:40 NKJV) He also increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Lk. 2:52) These characteristics are unusual, but history records a number of unusual children with hearts tender toward God.

There are some essential differences, however, between the baby named Jesus and other babies. When He became a man, Jesus died for the sin of all people. He could do this because, unknown to most people, He carried within Himself a divine seed that came from God. By sacrificing His divine life, He broke the power of Satan—and He specifically broke Satan’s hold upon the lives of people who call upon Him.

Jesus humbled Himself and came to earth as a man—to die for the sin of all men—so we can have eternal life. The Babe of Bethlehem died in my place.

Originally published December 24, 1987.

Immanuel . . . God With Us

Few people would say Christianity is an inferior religion. Of all world religions, it alone presents a God who reaches down to provide a way of salvation. Other religions demand sacrifices from their followers. Christians, however, believe Jesus came as God in the flesh to be the sacrifice. The Baby in the manger is unique and worthy of worship because He is Immanuel . . . God with us. (Mt. 1:23b)

So people err when they try to identify Christianity as one of several valid religions. Scripture claims it is exclusive: Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? (I Jn. 2:22a NKJV) Christianity cannot accept the possibility that other religions have vital truth to offer because the other religions have nothing that pays the pentalty for sin. If the beliefs of Christianity are compromised, the teaching is no longer Christian.

Jesus did more than live a good life. He is God. He existed as God before the creation of our world. He came to earth as God in the flesh so He could pay the penalty for our sin. This is the message of Christmas. Immanuel . . . God with us.

Originally published December 9, 1988.

A New Covenant

It was impossible for anyone to live by all of the Old Testament regulations or by the early covenants God made with His people. When the Pharisees and Levites of Christ’s time (and earlier) tried, their lives became unbalanced. In fact, the Old Testament is a history of people who failed to keep their part of their covenant with God—because they could not.

Many New Testament passages quote Old Testament prophets that foretold the coming Messiah who would set things right. The book of Hebrews quotes Jeremiah: The time is coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah . . . I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more. (Heb. 8:8b,12 NIV)

Jesus understood the prophets and approached the Law differently than the religious leaders of His time. He never denigrated the Law or its practice—He shifted attention away from regulations to the reasons behind them. He emphasized loving, doing good, blessing, and praying—even when dealing with those who mistreat you. (Lk. 6:28b)

But in the end, Jesus fulfilled the Law when He made an offering we can’t make. He offered Himself as the final sacrifice for sin. He is our New Covenant.

Originally published February 24, 1984, and February 11, 1983.
Picture: Viewed from the street, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.