DECEMBER 23, 2022
JESUS' BIRTH AND GOD'S MISSION
BY ERIC ROCHESTER - FOUNDER, PRESIDENT, AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SENDING PROJECT
Merry Christmas! So much is wrapped up in that greeting! We say “Merry Christmas” to others, yet many times it seems like the true meaning of Christmas isn’t emphasized. To get better connected with the foundational meaning of that ubiquitous phrase, let’s consider what the Christ of Christmas did.
Jesus, the Christ of Christmas, left the splendor of heaven to invade this earthly world. In true missionary character, Jesus experienced the environment of those He was/is seeking to save.
Often, when we think of Christmas, we think of the beautiful baby Jesus, but let’s also be engaging with the reality that God’s mission was beautifully expressed in this moment when God the Father sent God the Son to live on earth as the God-man (100% God and 100% man) who would go on to live a sinless life, die on a cross for the sins of the world, and be raised to life again!
Jesus’ journey from heaven to earth to fulfill God’s mission required immense sacrifice. As we celebrate Christmas this year, and say “Merry Christmas” to others, let’s remember that the Christ of Christmas paid the ultimate sacrifice for us, and that sacrifice started when He left heaven to invade earth and launch His Kingdom here. God’s mission is beautifully expressed through the birth of Jesus!