Focus Scripture — Matthew 1:18–23 (KJV)

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.

20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Joseph was going to put Mary away publicly to save her from shame and scandal. He was about to leave, but the angel said, “Remain in her life.” So we all know the story, and we know why, because this child was not Joseph’s child. This child was of the Holy Spirit, as I just read, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.

Thirty years later, we are introduced to John, Jesus’ cousin, and he was to prepare the way to announce the coming of the Messiah. John himself was baptizing his disciples, but he also came to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus.

Jesus came, He said, not as Pilate said, not to destroy the world, but to save it. He came not to bring an end to the world or to humanity, but to end the power of sin in our lives and to restore humanity to a right relationship with God.

And then we go over to John chapter 1:

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. This was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”  John 1:6-9

The people were asking John—priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem— “Who are you?” He said, “I am not that prophet.” He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as saith the prophet Isaiah.”

John said, “I baptize with water, but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not. He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.” The next day John saw Jesus coming unto him and said, “Behold the Lamb, which taketh away the sin of the world.”

Jesus came to save us from ourselves. He came to save us from our decisions. He came to save us from our foolishness. He came to save us from the error of our way.

Sin separates. It will never draw us closer to God. Sin will coax you, it will coddle you, it will comfort you, and when you die, sin will grab you and drag you into hell with it. The wages of sin is death—eternal separation from God.

Run for your life away from sin, because it will take you to hell. It is no little sin. Dabbling will slowly wrap itself around you until it becomes a stronghold in your life.

But thanks be unto God—the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

“That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”  John 1:6-9 (NKJV)

In the Old Testament, in Exodus chapter 12, a lamb without spot or blemish had to be slain. The blood was placed on the doorposts, and when the death angel passed over, if he saw the blood, the household was saved.

God is still looking for the blood. Have you been washed in the blood? It’s not about good works. It’s not about running to church. Have you been washed?

God gave His spotless Lamb. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, the spotless Lamb of God, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

We can walk in newness of life. We are not waiting for another year to change. We are walking in newness of life right now. We have been quickened and made alive.

Jesus came as a Savior. He came as a stranger—there was no room for Him in the inn. But He left as a Savior.

Even as John said, Behold the Lamb of God. Who are you going to tell this Christmas season?

Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus came as a stranger, but He left as a Savior.