Advent – Born to die
Thursday, December 17
Advent – Born to die
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3
Today’s Christmas carol is Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth;
Born to give them second birth.
When children are born its fun to imagine what they will grow up to become. It could be anything – a dancer, a pilot, a chef, a costume designer, an astronaut, a pastor, a musician, or a million other options. The future is wide open and full of possibilities. But this little baby we celebrate each and every Christmas was born with one purpose; Jesus was born to die. As it says in the carol, he was “born that man no more may die.”
His birth was all about our new birth. His birth was a major step in restoring mankind back into a rightful relationship with God. In 1 Peter 1:3, Peter praises God for the “new birth into a living hope” – and all that is possible because Jesus laid aside his glory and offered Himself in our place, taking the punishment of death we deserved for our sins. His death and resurrection gives us new life. As you go about your business and your busyness of Christmas, intentionally take a few moments to slow down and remember that Jesus was born to give YOU a second birth.
What a reason to praise Him!