Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11, ESV)
Read Luke 2:11-12
I remember being devastated one year when mom and dad took down our Christmas tree early. They said it had gotten too dry, but I never saw any danger. Years later our youth group had a Christmas tree bonfire. In seconds the tree exploded into flames, lighting up the entire field. We all were forced to step back from the intense heat. In that moment I realized just what great a danger we had been in, and how mom and dad had saved us.
If the shepherds were anything like most people, they felt no danger sitting out in the fields that Christmas night. Then in an instant the angel appeared, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. In that horrifying moment they saw the darkness of their sinful lives in the holy light of God, and they were gripped with the terror of His wrath.
Each of us will experience that moment someday -- either at our death or at Christ's return. We will be immersed in the bright light of God's glory, as we stand before Him for judgment. God will not weigh out your good deeds versus your bad deeds, or compare you to other people. Instead, He will look deep into your thoughts, desires and attitudes. If you committed one sin, one single wrongdoing at any time during your life, you will stand condemned.
But that is why Jesus came as our Savior. He took every sin to the cross; there He suffered God's fiery wrath in our place. When we trust Jesus as our Savior, all our sins are taken away, and when He returns we will be able to stand spotless before His judgment seat.
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank You for taking my place and suffering for my sins. Guide me to show others why they need Your salvation too. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
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