God forbid: yes, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That you might be justified in your sayings, and might overcome when you are judged. (Rom 3:4)
God will fulfil his promises to his people, and bring his threatened vengeance upon unbelievers. His judging the world, will for ever silence all doubtings and reflections upon his justice! Yet, in spite of all our sins, our "past" and our sometimes selfish acts, there will be a verdict entered on our behalf ~ "not guilty". Not because we are such wonderful human beings, not because we gave to the poor, not because we deserve it, not for ANYTHING we have done ~ but because of what Christ did!
Jesus was born in the lowliest of places. He was laid in a feeding troth for animals. He was exiled from his hometown at an early age and forced to live among strangers. He fulfilled his obligations as a young Jewish boy, he worked at a trade then began to preach to his people the promises of his Father. He was not guilty of any crime, yet he was arrested, beaten, sentenced to die, nailed to a cross, drained of his blood, laid in a tomb and those in power thought they'd seen the last of him! His story had just begun.
Here we are some 2000 years later, with all the communication devices imaginable and yet there are people in the world who do not know who Jesus was! They do not know that this King of Kings died for them. They do not know that they, too, can share in the reward of eternal life.
If you give one gift this Christmas season, give someone the opportunity to know Jesus. Share the story of Christmas with someone who may not know that the reason for the season is not to bulk up the pockets of the retail executives. Tell someone that Christ was born, that he walked on the earth, that he died for them and that he will come to claim his sheep. Offer them a gift that they won't want to exchange, or return or get a refund on. No excuse is acceptable here. Call upon the Holy Spirit to enlighten you and you'll do just fine. Remember, when you stand before the Judge, and the verdict is read, will he say to you "I know you, I love you, I gave my life to save you, love paid the price for mercy, my verdict: NOT GUILTY!
