Mighty to Save

People around the world celebrate Jesus’s birth during the Christmas season with festive lights and hope in their hearts. The wonder of the Christmas season, the beauty of all the Christmas lights and decorations, and the precious memories made with the ones we love pale in comparison to the best gift that was ever given, Jesus Christ. Hope came to this earth in the form of a tiny baby who was predestined by God to change the world. He is the Light of the World, the Prince of Peace, our Savior, and Redeemer.  (See John 8:12, Isaiah 9:6, Acts 4:12, John 3:16, and Isaiah 44:6)

When sin entered this world in the Garden of Eden through Adam and Eve’s choice to listen to the lies of the enemy and disobey God, their deep communion and daily fellowship with the Creator of the universe was broken and darkness entered the world. (See Genesis 3:2-6) Their relationship with the One who gave them the very breath in their lungs changed that day, and not because God changed (He never changes). How they perceived God, themselves, and the world around them changed. (See Genesis 3:7 and Genesis 3:22-24)

Mankind’s separation from God because of sin could not be fixed by following all the rules and laws set forth in the Old Testament, no matter how hard they tried. Jesus, the Messiah, was a part of God’s plan from the beginning. In fact, several verses in the Old Testament speak of the coming of the Messiah and the redemption He would bring to all who believe in Him. (Zephaniah 3:17, Isaiah 9:6. Isaiah 42:1-4, Numbers 24:17-19) In my own life, Zephaniah 3:17 has been one of those verses that brings hope in times of difficulty.

“For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs” (Zephaniah 3:17, NLT).

This verse speaks of the coming Messiah and the end of judgment on the people of Israel. (See Zephaniah 3:14-16) God came to earth through His Son, Jesus. He lived, ate, and walked with the disciples; teaching them how to live. The communion that was broken in the garden of Eden was restored through the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

It’s amazing to me that God lives among us, walks with us daily, and desires the very same communion with us that He had with Adam and Eve before the fall. He delights in us, loves us with an everlasting love, and rejoices over us like a bridegroom over his beloved bride. (Jeremiah 31:3, Zephaniah 3:17) When we trust in Him, His perfect love casts out and calms the fears of today and the worries of tomorrow. (1 John 4:18, Matthew 6:25-34) I don’t know about you, but I am blown away by the amazing gift we have been given through Jesus Christ. He truly is the best gift of all.

Father God, You are amazing. Thank You for loving me, delighting in me with gladness, and rejoicing over me with joyful songs. Help me to hear the songs You sing over me. I want to walk with You and talk with You daily. Help me to draw near to You even when it is hard. You are where my hope comes from. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.