Jesus’ sacrifice for us is the real gift

by Reverend Harvey G W Caine,

Pastor of the Barrouallie Wesleyan Holiness Church

PHILIPPIANS 2:6-8

Verse 6: who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God.

Verse 7: but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bond servant, and coming in the likeness of men.

Verse 8: And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.

Before Jesus came to Earth, he lived in Heaven. In Heaven there is no sin, and angels praised Him all day. Because Jesus loves us, He willingly gave this up and set aside His power to become a tiny, helpless human baby.{{more}}

This is where the story of the sacrifice of Jesus begins, and this is what Christmas is really about. Christmas all too often becomes a selfish holiday where we focus on gifts; however, it’s really all about the sacrifice that Jesus made for us.

How exactly did Jesus sacrifice for us?

It would have been easy for Jesus to be born into a wealthy, comfortable family. Instead, His father was a carpenter and his mother was a woman who was pregnant before she was married. Jesus was born in a stable and spent His first nights in a manger. He left the comfort of Heaven for a place made for animals. He lived a life without comfort just for you.

After Jesus was born, King Herod wanted to kill him. Joseph and Mary had to run away to Egypt just to keep Jesus safe. When they eventually returned home, it was in a far away town in a bad area. A future apostle asked, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” John 1: 46.

Jesus didn’t come from a good place with a good name, but He willingly came to Earth to battle evil… just for your salvation.

Later on, Jesus began his public ministry. His family members had doubts, and people in his hometown certainly didn’t believe He was special Matthew 13: 54-58.

He wasn’t always accepted. But many decided to follow Jesus and believe in Him, especially when He fed them and healed their diseases.

Once, a parade was thrown for Jesus as He entered Jerusalem. But days later, people were trying to have him killed. He had the power to overcome and escape His enemies, but He didn’t even defend himself when He was accused. Jesus submitted to the cruelest torture leading up to His execution… just for us.

Jesus’ sacrifice took away our guilt and shame, so we could be forgiven. We have the chance to be pure in God’s sight. His sacrifice gave a new life for us.

This Christmas, when you look at images of the manger scene, think about the sacrifice Jesus made when he came to Earth, and accept His free gift of salvation. Then, like the shepherds and wise men, bow down and worship Him, and thank Him with all your heart for a gift unlike any other.

I wish a blessed Christmas to the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines and a safe and peaceful 2017.

Let me extend a heartfelt “thank you” for the love and support of the following during this year:

To my co-workers and the Board at the St Vincent and the Grenadines Port Authority, I am thankful to be working with you all, and as a new year approaches, I wish each of you Jesus, the true reason for this season!

To the Wesleyan Holiness Churches – St Vincent District Board, all pastors and church workers, members and friends may God continue to strengthen this body for the task. The signs are everywhere.

To my family, relatives and friends/Facebook friends, the members of my local church, the Barrouallie Wesleyan Holiness Church, you too have brought happiness into my life during my darkest hours. I am honoured to be your family and your friend, and as a new year approaches, I wish each of you love, peace, good health, and more so happiness.

I love you guys. Our Lord is always ready to help where ever we need help! Dream big, Ask big, Receive big this Christmas.

Grace and peace, in our Jesus!

Stay safe this Christmas. Remember SAFETY FIRST and have a healthy Christmas.

God bless you!