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Forgiveness: The Heart of Christmas

When the angel told Joseph what to name Mary’s baby, he didn’t leave it to chance. “You shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Jesus’ name is His mission. The name Jesus means “Jehovah is our Salvation.” He came to save us, specifically from our sins.

Forgiveness of sin is the foundation of Christianity. It’s the essence of both Christmas and the cross. At Christmas, God sent His Son as a gift to the world. Jesus left Heaven’s glory, stepped out of eternity into time, took on human flesh all with one goal: to bring us forgiveness.

We all need forgiveness because we have all sinned. Romans 3:23 says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every single one of us has missed the mark. We can never measure up to God’s righteousness on our own, and that’s why Jesus came.

Here’s something important to understand: all sin is relational. Look at the Ten Commandments, the first four deal with our relationship with God. The next six deal with our relationships with others.

When we sin, someone gets hurt—God, others, ourselves, often all of the above.

Just as all sin is relational, all forgiveness is relational. Forgiveness is God forgiving us of the massive debt we owe. It’s God, through Jesus, pardoning our guilt. Forgiveness doesn’t say, “You didn’t do anything wrong.” It says, “Jesus washes you clean and gives you a fresh start.”

Yet forgiveness isn’t just something we receive, it’s also something we extend. Ephesians 4:32 says, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” The same grace God gives us, we’re called to give others.

Who do you need to forgive? Maybe it’s a parent, a spouse, a former friend, a coworker, even yourself. Maybe you need to confess something to God or to someone else. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It infects your joy, damages your relationships, and hinders your walk with God.

This Christmas, remember: forgiveness is at the center of Jesus’ mission on earth. It’s the heartbeat of a healthy life, a healthy home, and a healthy relationship with God.

Jesus came to forgive you. Will you accept His forgiveness and also extend it to others?

Pray

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to save me from my sins. I receive Your forgiveness today. I also choose to forgive those who have hurt me. Give me the grace to release bitterness and walk in freedom. Help me live as a forgiven and forgiving person. Amen.