Merry Christmas 2023 from Simply Making Life

Jesus, our Savior, was born a little over 2023 years ago. Because of His birth, the world has a new way of counting years - A.D. or Anno Domini (in the year of our Lord). It's no longer the years when certain kings ruled or of a conflict era or of what country is ruling. Each year is now the year of our Lord, Jesus Christ. And we can even count backwards from His birth now and call those years B.C. - Before Christ. He simplified dates. He helped us to understand the Bible better by becoming the Word in flesh. You could say that He simplified life. He taught us to obey and trust the Father and to love the Father and others. That's pretty simple, yet, we seem to mess it up anyway.

That's why He suffered and died on a cross for us. He was as gentle as a lamb and was sacrificed like 1 too. He knew we wouldn't get everything right all of the time. So, He died for our sins. Then He rose 3 days later. He made it easier to understand God and God's teachings before He left to make a home for us in Heaven. The purpose of His coming, of His birth was for us. He has given us the most beautiful gift - the gift of eternal life with Him. So, let's cherish that gift. Because 1 day, He will return again, this time as a Lion. He will be the warrior that people expected Him to be when He came the first time. His return will be a gift, as well, to those of us who believe and have accepted Him as our Savior.

If you haven't accepted Him as your Savior yet, you can accept Him now. Die to your sins, and accept new birth in Christ. And when death comes to your body, you (your resurrected soul) will live in Heaven with Jesus forever and ever. There, there will be no more sin, so suffering, no tears. Accept your gift today.

As you look at the decorations you've put out this year, the gifts under the tree, as you eat the turkey or ham and all the side dishes today, remember why you're celebrating. It's because a baby was born that would grow into the kindest man that ever lived, an innocent man who would die for the world's sins.

Image courtesy of Annie Spratt via Unsplash

Have a very blessed and Merry Christmas,

Patricia

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