Christmas Advent Devotional | Day 12
Advent – Day 12
The Purpose of Jesus’ Birth. Today, guest contributor Pastor Edmund Fantomas shares some hard truths about the purpose of Christ’s birth. Our struggle with sin is real, but the power of Christ to help us overcome it trumps our struggle. Remember that Advent means “coming,” and we are taking time to reflect on the birth of Jesus in this Christmas season, and its significance to each one of us.
Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:8
8 “The one who does what is sinful is the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
Devotional Thoughts
The birth of Jesus Christ marks a pivotal moment in human history. In Genesis 3:1-7, Satan spoke his deceptive thoughts through the minds of Adam and Eve, corrupting their hearts. This deception led to three things. The first of which is disconnection from God. This disconnection broke the intimate relationship they had with God. The second consequence was loss of self-awareness, in that they no longer recognized their true identity. The third consequence was the introduction of man’s sinful nature, which became a generational condition.
Before the fall, Adam and Eve lived in harmony with God and were subsequently a reflection of His image. Satan’s infiltrating influence distorted their understanding and caused them to doubt God’s goodness. This distortion is still at work today, affecting our thoughts concerning God’s goodness, corrupting our awareness of our unique identity and eventually inviting a chasm between ourselves and God. This further spirals into spiritual death, darkness and ultimately demonic bondage of varying degrees. Addictions, suicidal tendencies, murder, etc. are only the surface manifestations of this bondage. In Christ however, we have hope. He is the Light in the midst of Darkness!
Christ – Our Redeemer
Jesus’ arrival ushered in a new era of hope, love and redemption for all. Going back to the consequence of Adam and Eve’s transgression, Jesus’ birth provided redemption. His birth broke the chains of sin that held us captive. This has given us the opportunity to restore our relationship with God. (Romans 6:17-18). Jesus’ birth in turn empowers our own spiritual rebirth, giving us new life in Christ (John 1:12-13). Jesus’ birth enables victorious living, in spite of the trials we face day by day (1 Corinthians 15:57).
As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, remember His purpose: to destroy sin’s grip. May His transformative power cause you to experience freedom, redemption and a renewed intimacy with God. May we reflect His love and light in our lives. As a final thought, may this Advent season cause us to cherish anew the gift of salvation and share it with others.
Reflection
- Would you say that Jesus’ birth truly transformed your life?
- Or would you say that you are struggling with sin’s influence in your life?
- This season is an open door to reset and start afresh with the Lord’s help. How do you intend to surrender to Jesus’ transformative power this Christmas?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to destroy darkness. May His birth transform my life, bringing freedom and intimacy with You. Amen.
Pastor Fantomas Edmund is Associate Pastor to Rev. Daniel O. Amponsah at Newbirth Charismatic Chapel, Ghana. With his loving wife and three children, he assists in guiding the flock through Gospel ministry, empowerment, and fervent intercession.
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Christmas Advent Devotional Day 11
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