“I wonder as I wander out under the sky,
How Jesus the Savior did come for to die
For poor on’ry people like you and like I…
I wonder as I wander out under the sky.”
Words and Music collected by John Jacob Niles, © 1934, ren. 1962, G. Schrimer, Inc.
If you’re unfamiliar with this relatively-recent Christmas song and it’s hauntingly beautiful melody, may I suggest that you give it a listen. Why? Not only because it’s beautiful, but because the birth of Christ should make us stop and wonder. It should make us contemplate with awe that God, the Creator of the universe, would come to earth to be born of a virgin, with the very purpose of dying a brutal death on a cross so that sinful humans could have peace with God.
As I’ve contemplated what Advent message to write about, I’ve decided on the most important thing we can ever tell anyone, and as Christians we need to tell everyone. The message is that ever since Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree in the Garden of Eden, all human beings have been born with a sin nature that makes them hostile to God, and enemies with Him. We are born sinners, separated from God, and there is absolutely nothing we can do to fix it. We are helpless and in need of a Savior. And that’s what Jesus is. He’s the Savior.
He came as a baby born of a virgin; both God and Man. He came to live the perfect, sinless life that none of us is able to, and He died as the perfect, spotless, righteous Lamb of God in our place. Jesus took our penalty, all of God’s wrath that we deserve, on Himself. And on the third day, He arose from the grave; thereby conquering death, and sin, and Hell for those who would believe and put their trust in what He’s done as the only thing that restores their relationship with God.
This should make us wonder. As Christians, we should contemplate this reality with the awe that it deserves. If you’re not a Christian, I implore you to wonder… to read and meditate on the accounts of Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection in the Bible. Ask someone who knows the Bible about the true meaning of Christmas. Do it this Christmas season. Don’t wait. There is peace to be had. He came as a baby, and His name is Jesus.
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
