Thursday, December 26, 2024

26Dec

Hebrews 10:5-10

Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, my God.’” First he said, “Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them”—though they were offered in accordance with the law. Then he said, “Here I am, I have come to do your will.” He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. Hebrews 10:5-10 (NIV)

Here we are the day after Christmas; still celebrating the birth of Jesus. This baby saved us! That is something to celebrate every day! No more sacrifices, burnt offerings, or sin offerings – all because of this baby was born and grew into a humble man who showed us how to live and how to love and ultimately laid down his life to save us! All of us! Hallelujah!

Not only did Jesus come to die to save us all, but because Jesus came to earth and lived out God’s will in human form, God lived in human form. He experienced firsthand what it’s like. He knows we’re not perfect. He knows it’s difficult, but he came to show us the way. In 1 John 3:16 it says, “this is how we know what love is; Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”

In verse 5 of today's scripture, Jesus says, “But a body you prepared for me;” – God not only prepared a body for Jesus. He has prepared for each of us a body. A body we are to utilize to do His will here on earth, just like Jesus showed us. Each of our bodies are different, because each of us has a different role in God’s kingdom on earth. Each body looks different, functions different, and is here for different lengths of time – if we were all the same, we would be limited to what work could be carried out. We are each different, because God has his own special plan for each of us. And each of us is equally important to His plan.

Today, we can give thanks that God no longer expects sacrifices, burnt offerings, or sin offerings but rather expects us to love one another and to love Him with our thoughts and actions while we are in our earthly bodies.

Questions for Reflection:

  • Have you been able to focus on the true meaning of the Christmas celebration this season?
  • Have you felt God’s love for you? Do you feel it every day? Because it’s always there – He never stops loving you, no matter what!
  • What unique gifts has God given you that could be put to good use spreading Christ’s love?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your abounding gifts and unconditional love, and thank you for the best gift of all and greatest example of love in your son, our savior, Jesus Christ. Please help us to use the bodies and gifts you’ve given us to spread your love and do your will here on earth. In your name, we pray. Amen.

LoveAdvent/Christmas

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Posted by Amy Pfingsten

Amy is married to Ross, and they have a son, Ryker, and daughter, Mila. You can find them on Sundays at the 8:30 church service and Sunday school activities. She enjoys getting outside with the family for bike rides, trips to the zoo or pumpkin patch, running, and playing sports.

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