We Celebrate Christmas Because Of Easter

My Utmost For His Highest

 

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ… —Galatians 6:14

 

“The gospel of Jesus Christ always forces a decision of our will. Have I accepted God’s verdict on sin as judged on the Cross of Christ? […]  When you act in confident faith in what our Lord did on the cross, a supernatural identification with His death takes place immediately. And you will come to know through a higher knowledge that your old life was “crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6). The proof that your old life is dead, having been “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), is the amazing ease with which the life of God in you now enables you to obey the voice of Jesus Christ. Every once in a while our Lord gives us a glimpse of what we would be like if it were not for Him. This is a confirmation of what He said— “…without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That is why the underlying foundation of Christianity is personal, passionate devotion to the Lord Jesus.”  CHAMBERS

 

The most significant thing that has happened in the history of mankind is the Cross.  It is because of Jesus and the Cross that we have an eternal hope.  It is because of the power of God through the Spirit of God that we have this spiritual nature of ours.  I was telling someone yesterday that the only thing that I can take credit for is saying “yes” to God.  Virtually everything that people see and praise is because of God.  I have this new life, why?  It is because of God.  We celebrate Christmas and Easter.  But if Jesus was just born and that was it, then there would really be no point in celebrating.  We celebrate Christmas because of Easter.  But more than that is Pentecost.  Jesus was born a man. (Luke 2:8-11)  He died on the cross and was raised from the dead. (Romans 10:9) And God sent the Spirit to live in each of us. (John 14:26) (Ephesians 1:13-14)  That is why, we have no room to boast except in the Cross .. in what God has done.  But boasting about it is not enough.  All of that was done so that we can live, not only eternally in heaven, but holy lives here on terra firma.  Witnesses to the Grace of God.  Don’t be content with mediocrity in your spiritual life.  Take hold of the reality of your new life.  Don’t be conformed to this world, but live a  transformed life to the glory of God. (Romans 12:2)  ELGIN

 

Bondye Beni Ou (God Bless You)

 

Charley Elgin