With our young kids, starting December 1, we read one chapter of the book of Luke each night and then by Christmas Eve we will have read an entire account of Jesus’ life. We wake up Christmas morning with a deeper understanding of who Jesus really is and why we celebrate during this time. As we read through Luke, we also read an excerpt each week from Franklin Graham’s devotional called The Greatest Rescue Mission. I hear so many say that Christmas is a season of loving others, but for believers, this reminds us that it just isn’t any love, but God’s unyielding love for us. A love so deep that He sent his son in human flesh to earth to be the perfect sacrifice and rescue us from our sins.
Mrs. Sonja Downs, Director of the CCS Early Childhood Education program
The Drop Zone: Bethlehem (based of Luke 2: 1-12)
From The Greatest Rescue Mission
JESUS CHRIST existed with the Father before creation. Paul wrote to the Colossians, “For by Him all things were created, in heaven and earth … all things were created through him and for him” (Colossians 1:16).
Though He made us for His glory, humanity abandoned our created purpose—to enjoy the right fellowship with Him. Adam and Eve chose to serve selfish purposes instead of following God’s plan. That original sin caused separation between us and our Creator, but because of His great love, He did not abandon us.
The Scripture says, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son” (John 3:16).
Jesus left His throne and glory in Heaven to launch a rescue mission to redeem us from sin’s curse. Submitting to His Father, He “became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). The King of all kings came to Earth as a helpless baby. He was born to common parents from a small town in a very humble way— laid in an animal’s feeding trough in Bethlehem “because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7, NKJV).
God’s holiness demanded a perfect sacrifice for sin. Only the Lord Jesus Christ could make atonement as a perfect, blameless substitute. He came to offer Himself so that you and I could be forgiven.
PRAYER
Father, how grateful I am for Your love. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for leaving Heaven, taking on flesh, and becoming my substitute.
