An Old Testament Passage and A Christmas Thought
It appears to me that the understanding of the major theme of Scripture gives light upon the whole of the Bible, particularly the Person and work of The Lord Jesus Christ. Redemption from sin through the finished work of Christ is the Bible’s theme. The Old Testament’s teachings of the sacrifices and offerings typified the fact of sin and needed substitutionary sacrificial offering of the coming Lamb of God. Redemption from sin and freedom in Christ is the outcome of God’s wondrous plan of salvation.
We are celebrating Christmas and the Incarnation of Jesus Christ in human flesh. It is so easy to get caught up in the Christmas traditions and holiday trappings and miss the meaning of Christmas. I am talking about understanding and celebrating Christmas beyond a pious admission that Jesus is the reason for the season! Why is He the reason for the season? He is the reason because His Incarnation was a critical part of His being the Redeemer. He came to die but His death would have been meaningless if He had not been Virgin born! The main point of Christmas is seen in the Name of the One born. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21 The Saviour was born!
I read from Exodus this morning, in my readings through the Scriptures, and paused when I read the following: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Let my people go, that they may serve me.” – Exodus 8:1 I have no difficulty seeing a Christmas thought in this Old Testament passage. This verse speaks of God’s plan for Israel. They were led out of Egyptian bondage. Redemption is freedom! Satan and his evil forces always seek to control and harm but God liberates and comforts. My friends, this is why Christ was born. He came to liberate from sin’s bondage and enable redeemed sinners to serve Him. When Christ was born, it was as though God was saying, “…Let my people go, that they may serve me.”!
Chuck Peters – 12/21/2023
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