The
Season and the Reason
Week of 12-25-2011
by Dr. Dennis Prutow
Mary was pregnant. A distressed Joseph
thought about severing the relationship. “But when he had
considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take
Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of
the Holy Spirit’” (Matthew 1:20).
The angel gave further information and direction. “She will bear
a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people
from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name Jesus is a New
Testament form of Joshua meaning, “Jehovah saves.”
Jesus saves. Salvation has to do with sins. Sins are
violations of God’s standard for our lives. God gives us
His standard in the Ten Commandments. One of them requires truth
and being true (Exodus 20:16). Lying and deceit are violations of
God’s standard. Lies undercut life.
Jesus saves from sins. Jesus separates people from evil conduct,
such a lying, in two ways. He bears the penalty for their
conduct. He died as a sacrifice for their sins. He provides
new life through the Holy Spirit. He arose from the grave to do so.
Jesus saves His people. He has a focussed mission. His people are
those who believe in Him and trust in Him. This is the reason for the
season.
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