New Life in Christ
By J.B. Hixson, Ph.D.
12/04/2022
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4–5)
I came across a humorous story recently that perfectly illustrates what Christmas is really all about. It seems a pastor was sitting in his office on the first Saturday of December. Outside in the courtyard of the church the men of the church were in the process of building a stage for a live nativity scene that would take place later in the month. It was a mild day and the pastor had his window opened, which allowed him to hear two nearby children discussing the construction project. One child asked the other, “What is this going to be?” The other child responded, “Oh, they’re building a live fertility scene.”
Out of the mouth of babes! A “fertility” scene indeed. According to God’s Word, we are all born dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:10). We need to be made alive. We need new life. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we need to be “born from above” (John 3:3). And it is only in Christ that we can find this new life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When the Son of God left the eternal realm of glory, put on human flesh, and came to earth that first Christmas morning, He came to bring life. It was great news! “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10–11).
The Christmas story is really a fertility story. It is a story about bringing new life to a lost and dying world. It is a story about hope for the hopeless; peace for the troubled; rest for the weary. It is a story of new beginnings and fresh starts. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ…for He Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:13-14).
Jesus said, “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). And He offers that life freely to all who will receive it by faith. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Have you received the new life that only Christ offers? Have you been born again? If not let me encourage you to make this Christmas the best Christmas ever by placing your faith in the only One who can save you from the penalty of sin and give you new life.
If you have already trusted Christ, and Him alone, for your eternal salvation, let me encourage you to reflect on the new life you have in Him and enjoy the abundant life that He gave you. “I come that you might have life, and that more abundantly” (John 10:10). Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful fertility season!
12/04/2022
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4–5)
I came across a humorous story recently that perfectly illustrates what Christmas is really all about. It seems a pastor was sitting in his office on the first Saturday of December. Outside in the courtyard of the church the men of the church were in the process of building a stage for a live nativity scene that would take place later in the month. It was a mild day and the pastor had his window opened, which allowed him to hear two nearby children discussing the construction project. One child asked the other, “What is this going to be?” The other child responded, “Oh, they’re building a live fertility scene.”
Out of the mouth of babes! A “fertility” scene indeed. According to God’s Word, we are all born dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:10). We need to be made alive. We need new life. As Jesus told Nicodemus, we need to be “born from above” (John 3:3). And it is only in Christ that we can find this new life. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When the Son of God left the eternal realm of glory, put on human flesh, and came to earth that first Christmas morning, He came to bring life. It was great news! “Then the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord’” (Luke 2:10–11).
The Christmas story is really a fertility story. It is a story about bringing new life to a lost and dying world. It is a story about hope for the hopeless; peace for the troubled; rest for the weary. It is a story of new beginnings and fresh starts. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ…for He Himself is our peace…” (Ephesians 2:13-14).
Jesus said, “I am the way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6). And He offers that life freely to all who will receive it by faith. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Have you received the new life that only Christ offers? Have you been born again? If not let me encourage you to make this Christmas the best Christmas ever by placing your faith in the only One who can save you from the penalty of sin and give you new life.
If you have already trusted Christ, and Him alone, for your eternal salvation, let me encourage you to reflect on the new life you have in Him and enjoy the abundant life that He gave you. “I come that you might have life, and that more abundantly” (John 10:10). Merry Christmas! Have a wonderful fertility season!
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