He Came to Save the World 

   The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of many promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.  It was, above all, an act of love.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (John 3: 16)

   Like so many things in our spiritual life, we need to see Jesus’ birth through the eyes of a child.  Children don’t ask deep theological questions or doubt what is obvious, they simply accept it.  We adults always want to know the how and why.  The problem is the how and why are not always knowable.

   Why did Jesus come as a baby?  He could have come as a conquering king as the Israelites were hoping.  Instead, He chose to come as a helpless infant.  Why?  The king, the messiah that was expected was not to be the one who would come.  The true King, Jesus would not restore Israel to political and military power but would empower Israel to return to God and obtain forgiveness of their sins.

   He could have surrounded Himself with learned, highly respected religious leaders.  Instead, He chose simple fishermen and sinners as His apostles.  The learned and religious had already made up their mind as to who the Messiah was to be; nothing would change their mind.  The simple listened to Him and believed, even when belief was hard.

   Jesus did not have to suffer His passion, crucifixion, and death.  He could have returned to the Father in a cloud of thunder or a chariot of fire.  But He chose to die on the cross for our sins in order that we might have the opportunity for life eternal.

   As we prepare for His birth, let’s remember that all He did, He did because of His great love.  Let’s accept the reality of Jesus in a childlike manner, give Him all glory and praise, living in His presence in this life and the next. 

You came as a child.

You came to save the world.

Help us to share the truth.

You are the savior of the world. 

Amen