Christmas is a precious time to celebrate in a special way the birth of our Savior. I am always touched when I think about the moment of Jesus’ birth — about the angels singing and the glory of God filling the sky. Shepherds were overwhelmed by the heavenly announcement, compelled to travel to Bethlehem to the place where the Christ child lay (Luke 2:15,16).

I can’t think about Jesus’ birth without thinking about the reason He was born into the earth. Jesus was born to die a terrible death in order to fulfill His purpose of carrying my sin and yours. He would identify with the struggles, trials, sufferings, and pains of mankind, paying the price to set us free from all the works of darkness that bind, torment, or harm us.

That precious little Baby lying in the manger was God in the flesh who had come to free us from our sins and make us as white as snow. Isaiah 1:18 declares God’s redemptive nature: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

The Bible also says in Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Can you even fathom this kind of love — a Father sacrificing His Son to save others? No wonder that heavenly host filled the sky, proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest!” (Luke 2:14). Angels joyfully announced the plan of all ages — the time for the redemption of mankind had finally come (Luke 2:10-14)!

So as you gather with loved ones or spend a quiet holiday at home, I encourage you to meditate on the great love that the Father has toward you. Read the Christmas story, reflect on the sacrifice of your Savior, and determine to press in as never before to know the Lord better. Then as you step into 2021, just as others took notice of Peter and John “that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13), those with whom you come into contact will take notice of the light and life of God within you. With grace and boldness, you can proclaim God’s peace on earth — and His goodwill toward all mankind!

Have a victorious 2021! And please let us know how we can pray for you. You can call our prayer team anytime at 1.800.742.5593, or email our team at prayer@renner.org. We are here for you!

Have a blessed Christmas and a very happy New Year!

Your sister in Christ,

Denise Renner