© 2013 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)

Babies have a natural ability to soften hearts. This fact is often exploited, by the unscrupulous, to sell products, politics, and promises of providing for the poor. Exploitation seems to be multiplied as folks think about “baby Jesus.” Unfortunately, what Jesus came to do is loathsome to most.

Though “sin” is a loathsome word, the baby Jesus came to die for sinners. We hate to think of ourselves as sinners. Others are sinners. Child molesters are sinners. Murderers are sinners. We are respectable citizens, different from those evil dregs of society. Some of us may even claim to worship the baby of Bethlehem.

Listen to what the angel of the Lord said to the shepherds in the field when He announced the birth of Christ in Bethlehem. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). Christ the Lord was born, as a baby, to be “a Savior.” In order to receive any benefit from the baby Jesus, He must be your Savior! You may ask, “From what do I need to be saved?” This question had been previously answered by the same angel of the Lord, who appeared to Joseph, telling him that, though Mary, his espoused wife, was with child, she was a virgin who was going to bring forth the Messiah of God. He said, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Jesus came to save His people from their sins!

If you will not admit your sinfulness, before God, then the baby Jesus, that you like so much, is of no benefit to you. If you will not call upon Him to save you from sin, you will die in your sins and enter an eternity of torment. Jesus, Himself, said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). He is God the Son who was born to die at Calvary to save His people from their sins.

Will you worship Him as your wonderful sin bearer, or is He just another baby that merchants will use to open your wallet?

 

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