“She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sin.” Matthew 1:21
This advent season do not miss the simple meaning of Christmas: love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.” (John 3:16) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He first loved us and gave His Son as a substitute for our sin.” (I John 4:4)
The birth narrative of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew signifies the reason for Christ’s birth and the purpose of the babe in a manger: He will save His people from their sin.
Notice that the instruction to name Jesus was not accompanied by, “because He will organize a religion.” Nor do we read, “because He will redefine our politics.” We also do not read, and you will call Him Jesus because “He will elevate the popularity of man.” NO!
We read, “And you will call His name Jesus because He will save His people from their sin.”
The reference to “His people” does not indicate merely a national-political deliverance, but rather a reference to the Messianic Kingdom (including both Jews and Gentiles). Therefore, this verse references the whole scope of salvation from the birth of Christ to the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation – when all who have placed their faith in Jesus will be made complete on that day we stand with Christ in Heaven.
“He will save His people from sin.” This is such an incredible reality for the believer. You can live in this moment secure that your complete salvation rests in Christ alone. You can be assured that salvation depends on Jesus and not your own merit.
So today, thank God for the greatest blessing ever announced. Salvation in Christ.
This is love. This is Christmas.
Blessings.
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Today, read the entire birth narrative of Jesus recorded in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 1:18-25) and see God’s love displayed.
