There is something about the loss of life, especially the loss of children’s lives, that reminds us of the horrible nature of sin. At times we trivialize our sin, not seeing the drastic consequences it has upon us. But with tragedies like the one in Newtown, CT, we are reminded all too well that human beings have the capacity to inflict great evil upon one another. This tragedy is not an anomaly. Consider that in the United States alone, every day:
* 40 people are murdered
* 230 women are raped (which may only be a 1/10 of the real number)
* 370 children are sexually abused
* 890 children are physically abused, of which an average of 5 die every day, mostly 3 years old and under
* 3000 babies are killed through abortion
You might be saying, It’s Christmas time…why are you talking about this? Because Christmas time is not just about celebrating family, presents, decorations, holiday spirit, or even Jesus birth. Christmas time is also about celebrating why Jesus was born. Jesus came that we might be saved from such evil. Jesus came to set us free from the shackles of sin. He came to heal our broken hearts and bind up our wounds. Because of His birth, we have nothing to fear in life or death. We have Jesus to look forward to.
I hope you have a very Merry (and Christ-exalting) Christmas.
“I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”–John Newton