I read another of Wayne’s sermons this morning which he preached on March 30, 1986. Of course, it was Easter and his text included 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 and Luke’s (Luke 24) account of the resurrection of Jesus. I know we are celebrating Christmas right now, but can we celebrate the birth of Jesus without celebrating His resurrection? Many people enjoy the thought of a little baby being born in a stable with angels and shepherds spreading the good news. But those same people may be uncomfortable celebrating a crucifixion and ultimate resurrection. Christians must never forget why Jesus was born in the first place! Knowing we can live forever with Jesus is the best good news!
The Apostle Paul writes about “when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). In Romans 5:6 Paul writes, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Jesus’ birth and death happened at specific times. God put those events in just the right place in history. Jesus’ death even defines how we measure time as BC and AD. Jesus’ resurrection was the event that proved we could also live with Him through our faith and obedience to His will.
The Baby in the manger shows us the humanity of Jesus, but His resurrection shows us His deity. God came to be like us so He could redeem us. Here is a quote from Wayne’s sermon:
“Do not say that Christianity can exist independently from Easter. Christianity is not simply a set of values, a moral code, style of living, a grand philosophy. Christian faith is Easter faith. It is the conviction that people matter so much to God that He gave His own Son in our behalf; that He allowed Him to be crucified on the cross for our sins and on the third day, He raised Him from the grave as sign and symbol that our lives are of eternal significance to God. God is involved. Christ is victorious. But even more importantly, we really do matter to God.” Sermon # 774 by Wayne Murphy
So, when we set up our Nativity scene and place Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus in the manger, let’s remember how much God loves us. That precious Baby was God Himself fulfilling His plan to give us the gift of salvation.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(Romans 6:23).
This year of all years we need to rejoice not only in the birth of a Baby, but of His resurrection giving us hope in spite of our earthly trials.