The world changed when Jesus was born and time itself is now measured in relation to that event!
Every person and event occurring before Jesus was born, we identify as BC - Before Christ. And, every person and event occurring after his birth, we identify as AD - Anno Domini, which is Latin for, “In the Year of our Lord.” Even the alternative designation of BCE and CE used by some modern authors, archeologists, museums and others not wanting to specifically acknowledge the implications of the dating formula must admit that the “Common Era” began with the birth of Christ.
Every person and event occurring before Jesus was born, we identify as BC - Before Christ. And, every person and event occurring after his birth, we identify as AD - Anno Domini, which is Latin for, “In the Year of our Lord.” Even the alternative designation of BCE and CE used by some modern authors, archeologists, museums and others not wanting to specifically acknowledge the implications of the dating formula must admit that the “Common Era” began with the birth of Christ.
What we will be celebrating on December 25 was actually the pivotal event of history!
But why did this Person have such a significant impact on the world? As Christians we sometimes overlook who He really was. The message that is at the heart of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world!
The angel who appeared to the shepherds on that glorious night to announce the birth of the promised Savior did not say, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for some of the people,” or even “for most of the people.” The angel said,
“I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
That’s why it’s good news. That’s why it’s good news of great joy. That’s why a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel praising God!
That message is confirmed by the best-known verse in the Bible.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son . . . “
The very next verse explains why Jesus came –
“. . . that the world through him might be saved.”
It was made clear by John the Baptist when he revealed who Jesus was.
“Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
When speaking to the crowd after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus said,
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”
In His prayer in the Upper Room just before His crucifixion, Jesus said God had given Him authority over everyone, so that He could give eternal life to everyone God had given Him.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said that God wants all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth. This will happen because Christ Jesus
“gave Himself as a ransom for all people.”
Paul further explained that we’ve put our hope in the living God
“who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.”
And John told his readers that Christ
“is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.”
The real story of Christmas is that Jesus Christ came to redeem all mankind! That's something to celebrate. Merry Christmas!
Adapted from Heaven’s Doors . . . Wider Than You Ever Believed!
Available Spring 2017
Download a Free Preview at Heavensdoors.net
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