Prince of Peace 4

John 12:30-32

There is often a debate about which Christian holiday is more important, Christmas or Easter. They are both equal in importance. Without Easter there is no reason for Christmas. Without Christmas there can be no Easter.

In the midst of the celebration of the birth of Christ there must be an awareness of the sacrifice of Christ. While at first glance that may seem to take away from the joy of the holiday, in fact it is all part of the wholeness of Christ. It is part of shalom – peace, completeness.

In the latter part of John 12 Jesus is talking about the sacrifice he is to make. He hints of his death on the cross. He explains that he will not ask God to spare him from what he is about to do because he intends to glorify God. Then God speaks to Jesus in a voice others can hear.

What does Jesus say about God’s voice? What will Jesus do?
The purpose of the gift of Jesus at Christmas is to reconcile the sinful world with our heavenly Father. The gift of Christ is the gift of a Savior, the Messiah who will restore our connection to our heavenly Father. He has come to bring us peace, peace in knowing that we are loved by God and invited into the wholeness of His family.

The idea of this gift of the baby can fill us with the warmth of love. And Jesus was indeed a gift of love. But the gift of a Savior involves a sacrifice.

The gift of Christmas was just the beginning of the complete gift of Jesus. The baby born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger would be the same Jesus later laid in a tomb.

And the point of all of it is explained by Jesus himself. He will draw all men to him. Through his sacrifice he will remove what separates us from God. Through the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus we are drawn into the loving relationship of God. We are made into heirs of God. We are made complete.

With the birth of Jesus the story of the Savior can be made whole and complete also. And in that completeness we can find peace as we are made true children of God.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How do you fit in with the complete family of God?