Christmas Eve // Matthew 1:21

Today’s verse comes from the angel’s announcement to Joseph that Mary was to give birth to the Son of God. The purpose was given specifically with the announcement that Jesus was to save God’s people from their sin. We prefer to focus on the holly jolly nature of the season and tend to overlook the difficult reasons He even needed to come in the first place. Sin comes from an archery term in the Greek which means to miss the mark. Sometimes we miss the mark intentionally, unintentionally, and despite our best efforts. Those misses and messes can leave us feeling discouraged and hopeless. This is precisely why Jesus came to die for our sin. He broached the chasm between us and God and provides the bridge for us to cross IN the cross. So, as we prepare for the glory of Christmas, let’s acknowledge that Jesus came to save us from our sin; believe that the love God has for us in met in the Christ child born for a crucifix; and confess our need for a savior. Let’s declare this tonight as we share and lift high the candlelight for the Light of the World has come, is with us, and promises to come again.