Christmas has come to prepare us for Easter.

Scripture Passage

But Mary stood outside facing the tomb, crying. As she was crying, she stooped to look into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting there, one at the head and one at the feet, where Jesus’ body had been lying. They said to her, “Woman, why are you crying? ” “Because they’ve taken away my Lord,” she told them, “and I don’t know where they’ve put Him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, though she did not know it was Jesus. “Woman,” Jesus said to her, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for? ” Supposing He was the gardener, she replied, “Sir, if you’ve removed Him, tell me where you’ve put Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said, “Mary.” Turning around, she said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” — which means “Teacher.” “Don’t cling to Me,” Jesus told her, “for I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to My brothers and tell them that I am ascending to My Father and your Father — to My God and your God.” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord! ” And she told them what He had said to her.
-John 20:11‭-‬18

Message

When we celebrate Christmas, we often forget about the rest of Jesus’ life. We especially forget about the way He died. But that is exactly what Christmas is about. Jesus was born to die!

His entire life and ministry was to fulfill the promise from God that He would save His people from destruction. God sent His Son for you and for me, so that we could live forever. He came here to find the lost (you and me) and heal us from death. Sure, this body will pass, but our souls will live on. Either in eternal torment in the pit of Hell, or we can choose Jesus and live in eternal peace in the street as of Heaven.

God has given us the choice. We get to decide. If you have made it this far in this devotion, then you know that it is God who gives you Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. He gives those things through His Son Jesus. Accept Jesus this Christmas.

Prayer

God,

We thank You for the First Christmas. We thank You for Easter. We ask that You forgive us for our failings and sins. Thank You. In Jesus’ name.

Amen.