Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins might live for righteousness-by whose stripes you were healed.    1 Peter 2:24 HCSB

It seems as though we just put up the Christmas decorations and now before you know it, we will celebrate Easter. We normally celebrate Easter just 3-4 months after we celebrate Christmas. This got me thinking about that baby born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger who came to die for our sins.

At Christmas time we sing the song, “Mary Did you Know?” This song was written by Mark Lowry in 1984, music was written by Buddy Greene. It was originally performed by Michael English. It gives a picture of Mary holding this baby in her arms who had come to save us from our sins. It asks if she knew all He would do.

I can’t imagine her knowing he would suffer a horrible death on that cross. I can’t imagine any mother knowing her son’s life would end in that way. I can’t imagine her knowing how he would be ridiculed, tortured, and beaten. All for people who didn’t deserve His love.

He came to conquer sin and death even though He had never sinned. We are told in Philippians 2:8 that Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death-even to death on the cross.

I want you to consider these things as we go from the Christmas season into the Easter season. I want you to consider that young man who was just 33 years old when He gave His life for us. I want you to understand that He was fully God and fully man. He felt those nails being driven into his hands and feet just as we would feel them.

Most importantly, I want you to understand why He came. He came to save you and me, miserable sinners, from sin and death. We are told in Romans 6:23 that the wages of sin are death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

He came to die so that He might give you life. Will you accept Him? Will you accept this awesome gift He has given? The choice is yours. It won’t be forced upon you; you can choose to accept it or reject it.

Now before you decide, I want you to understand a few things. If you choose to follow Him, you will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3:12 tells us that all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. There will be friends and family members who don’t approve of the new creature you have become in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

You will have to work to maintain a close relationship with Him. This is done through Bible study, prayer, and church attendance. Perhaps I shouldn’t say you would have to, because once you experience His goodness you will want to.

We study our Bibles to learn to imitate Him. We are told in Ephesians 5:1 that we must be imitators of Christ. This in itself takes some self-discipline. We are told in 1 Peter 2:21-23 of the example Christ left for us. He committed no sin. He never lied. When He was reviled, He did not revile in return. When He was suffering, He did not threaten but entrusted Himself to God who judges justly. He left vengeance up to the Lord as we are told to do in Romans 12:19.

Jesus came to die so that we may live eternally in heaven with God the Father. My friend, when your soul leaves this planet, you will go to heaven or hell. How you live your life here will be the determining factor. Consider this a dress rehearsal.

I beg of you to think about Jesus Christ who left His heavenly home to come to earth to save me and you. I beg of you to surrender your life to Him before it’s too late.

I spent many years thinking I was having fun, but I never knew true joy until I surrendered my life to Him. I never knew what peace and joy a life lived with Him could bring. I pray that you will experience the same.

If life on this miserable earth can be this good with Him, I can’t imagine what life with Him in heaven will be like, but I am oh so ready to find out.

Have a great day!