One of my favorite traditions at Christmas is going to a candle light communion service. At a time when we are celebrating the birth of Christ, it’s a good reminder of why He was born. At the last supper, Jesus said, “As often as you do this (communion), do this in remembrance of me.” So in celebration of His birth, we take time to remember His death which is why He came. He wanted to reconcile us to the Father through His death, and also become our Advocate. Because He took on flesh, He was tempted as we are and can empathize with everything we go through.
I love what Hebrews 4:15 says about Jesus. It says, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (NLT). In wrapping Himself in flesh and blood, He also wrapped Himself in our pains, our sufferings, our fears, our joys and our temptations so that He could be our advocate to the Father. He understands what you are going through today and is praying to the Father right now for you and me.
So on Christmas Eve, I choose to remember all of these things in His life as I celebrate His death on the cross. I take time to remember that it wasn’t His birth that saved me. It was His death on the cross and resurrection three days later. Without living a sinless life and dying on the cross, I would still be lost and in sin. On Christmas I will remember and celebrate His birth, but I also take time to remember His life, death and resurrection in order to be my advocate, my salvation and my righteousness.
Photo by Zach Lucero on Unsplash
I’m taking my annual break from writing this week. I hope you enjoyed this devotion I wrote a few years ago. I’ll be writing new devotions again starting next Tuesday.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 