We are nearing the time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is a time when many look forward to gathering with family to give and receive gifts. Yet, for others, it is a bittersweet time because of those who are no longer present. Holidays cause some of us to ponder life and loss. We live in a world with sin and death. We experience loss. This is because every man and woman was born inheriting sin from Adam. Sin brought separation from God, guilt, and death. There is no way to avoid it. The penalty for sin is death (Rom. 6:23a). Death has been present and common since the time of the Fall (Rom. 5:12-14). But, this is not the final word on the subject. 

The holiness of God requires that he punish sin (Rom. 3:25-26). He cannot tolerate sin indefinitely. So, he promised a Redeemer (Gen. 2:15). The people of God anticipated One who would come to undo the consequences of the Fall. Almost 2,000 years ago, God sent his Son to take on flesh. The incarnation was the culmination of God’s eternal redemptive plan. Jesus, the sinless God-Man, perfectly fulfilled the requirements of God’s law (Matt. 5:17-18). He also willingly died on the cross to endure the punishment our sins deserved. Three days later, the Redeemer, Jesus rose from the dead and he is alive forevermore. 

Scripture teaches us that all who repent of their sin and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved (John 1:11-12; Rom. 10:11-13). This is great news! What does he save us from? First, Christ saves us from the guilt and power of sin. In Christ, we have been forgiven and our judicial guilt has been removed (Acts 10:43). In Christ, we have died to sin and are separated from its enslaving power (Rom. 6:1-14). We no longer have to do what sin says. Second, Christ saves us from divine wrath (Rom. 3:21-26; 1 Thess. 5:9-10). In Christ, the wrath of God has been satisfied and believers will never experience it. Aren’t you thankful that Jesus endured the wrath you deserved? Third, Jesus has saved you from death. This does not mean that you will not experience physical death in this life. It does mean that Jesus conquered death when he rose again. Christ’s resurrection guarantees that all those who are in union with him by faith will be raised from the dead when he comes again (1 Thess. 4:15-18). If the Lord chooses for you as a believer to experience physical death in this earthly life, your spirit will be transported immediately to his presence in heaven. Christ’s death and resurrection secure this hope for us as believers. His finished redemptive work on the cross is the final word. 

So, as bittersweet as this season may be for you, remember the Lord Jesus Christ. He has carried out God’s redemptive plan. If you know him, Jesus has secured your salvation. You possess forgiveness of sin and eternal life. Brothers and sisters, you need not fear death. For those whom you have lost, who knew Christ, one day you will see them again in the presence of Jesus. This is possible because Jesus Christ has overcome sin and death. 

One final thought, I would like to share with you. As we consider the hope we have in Christ, which is what we remember and celebrate at Christmas, we are not ignorant of the circumstances of our world. The world is broken and cursed because of sin. Things are not as they should be. Know this, Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). One day he will return and make all things new. This is a glorious hope. Celebrate Jesus this Christmas. He is our hope and peace. Jesus is the final word on all matters.