Finding Purpose, Hope and Joy Through Jesus’ BirthSample

## Day 24 – Redemption: The Good News As a 12-year-old boy, Jesus sat with the rabbis in the temple at Passover, learning and asking questions. People were amazed at His understanding of complex concepts of God’s law. Twenty-one years later, Jesus would enter Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. This time, He knew it was different. Jesus was to enter Jerusalem, not as a young boy, but as the Messiah. “The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest heaven!’” (Matthew 21:9). As we learned yesterday, humanity was plagued with sin and eternal death. But God came to rescue us! He sent His only Son, the sinless Jesus, to die in our place. Because of Jesus’ death, sinful people have the opportunity to come into the presence of our holy God and be pronounced not guilty. Second Corinthians 5:21 says, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Three days later, Jesus would rise from the dead, conquering death. Who is Jesus to you this Advent? Is He simply the baby born in Bethlehem? Or is Jesus your Savior? Have you accepted the free gift that He is offering to you? If you haven’t accepted that gift, we encourage you to do so now. As our verses say today, you can trust that Jesus’ death and resurrection paid the price for your sin. Saying a prayer won’t save you, but it’s a great way to express to God your faith and thank Him for His greatest gift: “God, I know I’m a sinner and I deserve punishment. Thank You for sending Jesus to take my punishment. I place my trust in You for salvation. Thank you for forgiving me and giving me the greatest gift of all this Christmas – eternal life. Amen.” If you’re trusting in Jesus for salvation, welcome to the family. May God bless you as you celebrate your Savior’s birth!