Matthew 1:21 AMPC
“She will bear a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus [the Greek form of the Hebrew Joshua, which means Savior], for He will save His people from their sins [that is, prevent them from failing and missing the true end and scope of life, which is God].“
As my daughter Skylar read this morning’s verse, I was staring outside the window. As she came across that last line, “because He will save His people from their sins“, almost on cue, I saw a couple of snowflakes fall. (It’s not supposed to snow here until this weekend, but it’s coming!) And between what I saw and what I heard, it’s like the reality of this verse came to life again right before my eyes.
“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1:18 AMPC
Jesus. His very name is Salvation. And Christmas? A celebration and a declaration of the purity, salvation, and restoration that is found in Him.
Not to oversimplify this entire issue but here’s what I feel led to focus on today: Most of us, whether we’ve been walking with Jesus for many years or not, if we could quiet ourselves for just a moment, we could identify places in our lives where we sense a stain, a blemish, or a wrinkle. We could name an area(s) where we could use “saving” or rescuing. Or we could run our fingers across those places into our hearts that have become calloused and dry.
And today, all my heart can focus on is standing in the Presence of He who saves. To be in awe of that reality all over again. To be filled with the wonder of how His love can wash over us like falling snow, cleansing and whitening every inch of our hearts. Refreshing us and melting away the callouses. Restoring us to a sense of newness and child-like innocence again.
Everyone knows. The Christmas season is best experienced through the eyes and innocence of a child. But we can experience that same type of wonder at any stage of life. We just need His touch. So I invite you, friends. Set aside some time to just get in His Presence. Let Him wash over those areas of stain, spot, wrinkle, blemish or callous and be filled with the “thrill of hope” once again.
Linda G Riddle 