“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
John 12:32
As we approach the Christmas holiday and consider the meaning of this special day, we think quickly of the divine Baby born to a virgin in Bethlehem over two thousand years ago. Of course, the real meaning of the season is a day we celebrate each spring when we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus came to earth for one reason. He truly was born to die. He came for more than just a cruel death, however. He was also born to rise again from the death as a firstfruit and concrete demonstration that all of us will also rise someday ourselves.
Perhaps you’ve read the popular children’s poem called simply the “Christmas Candy Cane Poem”:
Look at the Candy Cane
What do you see?
Stripes that are red
Like the blood shed for me
White is for my Savior
Who’s sinless and pure!
“J” is for Jesus My Lord, that’s for sure!
Turn it around
And a staff you will see
Jesus my shepherd
Was born for me!
Even though the words are simple, they capture the message of the Gospel. Jesus did come to die in place of us, but He also loves us enough to guide us each day as a shepherd lovingly cares for his sheep.
As we gather with our loved ones this Christmas season, let’s remind ourselves of the blessing of Jesus’ birth as a little child. Let’s also remember His death, resurrection, and eternal life as well. We have much to praise Him for this Christmas!