Monday, December 22, 2008

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The store owners have been really nervous this Christmas season, because they’re afraid shoppers are going to be a lot more cautious with their money this year. Hey, there’s a lot of uncertainty about the economy. So like those who have money are trying to hang onto it. It looks like we’ll be spending less this Christmas. God didn’t have that option that first Christmas.

I’m Ron Hutchcraft, and what happened that Christmas in Bethlehem; what happened on that dark Good Friday years later, that was the most expensive gift ever given. For one reason, God loves you and he can’t stand to lose you. The Bible says, “He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us…” (Romans 8:32 ). Over the cradle loomed a cross, because that’s why Jesus came. In God’s words to Joseph, “to save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 ). Rescue is never cheap, but it came at an unspeakable high price for God; allowing His Son to be brutalized and butchered on a cross so He could bear the penalty for all the sins you and I have ever done. Because sin is such serious rebellion against our Creator, it can only be paid for with a death penalty. But God took heaven’s best, His only Son, and gave Him for us.

The life-saving transaction is completed when you give Him what He paid for–you. You were made by Him; you were made for Him. He is the end of your lifetime search for love, for a life that matters, and for a heaven to go to. You can expect to be asked by God, “What did you do with My Son?” Maybe you can tell Him about today when you told Him, “Jesus, I’m Yours.”

Our website is to help you know how to begin a relationship with Him. Please visit us at ALifeThatMatters.org.

This radio program references: Romans 8:32 ; Matthew 1:21