Born to Die

He was with God in the beginning, even before the heavens were set in place. He was the craftsman at His Father’s side when the universe was brought into being and the earth was formed. He took delight in what was being made, filled with joy as the plan unfolded. Living creatures were created on the earth.

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, to care for all the creatures we have made.” This was the pinnacle of their achievement, as man and woman were created from the dust of the earth.

But there was a rebel among the angelic beings, who had desires above his station and deceived mankind into submitting to his deceptive plan. The man and woman fell for the lie and took the forbidden fruit: “If you eat it you shall die.”

These words were probably ringing in their ears when they realised what they had done. Sin had entered the heart of mankind. God’s Kingdom has no place for sin, and they were cast aside into the world, where sin and death continue to multiply within each generation.

God had a plan. The Son would come to earth and become a man born of a woman, perfect in every way, untainted by the inherent sin of mankind. He would live among them, as part of the human race, yet sinless. He would be called Jesus, the Christ, the Saviour. This was foretold by Isaiah almost a thousand of years before His birth. It was believed He would restore the fortunes of Israel, but He came to save the souls of sinners and the world.

And so it was, the co-creator of the world was born as a baby in Bethlehem. He was worshipped by shepherds and kings and recognised as a gift from God, but generally unnoticed by the rest of the world. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of a virgin. He grew and lived as a man, like one of us.

The son of God, pure and sinless, was the perfect representative of humanity, and as such He had to die and take with Him the curse of sin which defiled mankind. He paid the price of death on behalf of the world, and made the way open for all who would identify with Him and be restored to a righteous relationship with God. He was born to die.

This is the truth of Christmas as celebrated by believers throughout the world, but hidden from many by a smokescreen of self-indulgence. Behind the sparkle and the glitter, through all the fun and frolic, lies the truth which, if recognised, can transform the world. Let us peel back the tinsel and reveal the true Light of Life shining in the darkness. His name is Jesus. To all who would believe Him and to all who would receive Him is given the key to eternal life.