God With Us: Encountering the King This ChristmasSample

Day 1: The Sacrificial King

The story of Christmas is more than the birth of a child; it is the coming of the sacrificial King. From the very beginning, Jesus’s arrival was tied to his mission: to lay down his life for ours. John 3:16 reminds us, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Every detail of Christ’s incarnation is marked by sacrifice. Imagine the eternal Son of God leaving heaven’s perfection for the frailty of human flesh. Imagine the Creator of the universe entering the world as a baby, dependent on his mother and father for care. This act of humility alone speaks volumes about his love. Yet his sacrifice did not end there. Every day of his life was another act of giving, from living among us, enduring hunger, facing temptation, to ultimately walking toward the cross.

Jesus’ love was not a vague sentiment but a costly pursuit. He endured every wound, tear, and rejection not because he had to but because he chose to out of love for us. The King of kings became the Lamb of God who would take away the sins of the world.

But do we take time to pause and recognize this love? As we rush through the season, it’s easy to reduce Christmas to traditions, meals, and gatherings. Yet at the center of it all is a King who willingly gave everything so we could know him. He doesn’t simply want our acknowledgment; he wants our hearts.

The sacrifice of Jesus calls for a response, not just gratitude, but surrender. He laid down his life so you could find yours in him. His sacrifice was for the purpose of restored relationship, so that you could live every day in communion with your heavenly Father.

Take a moment to reflect: In what ways are you living as though his sacrifice was only for your salvation someday, and not for your transformation today? Jesus’s sacrifice means you can live free from shame, free from striving, free from trying to earn what has already been given.

This Christmas, crown Jesus as your King. Let his sacrificial love soften your heart and draw you into worship. He has already given you everything. Will you give him your life in return?

Prayer:
Jesus, thank you for your great love. You left heaven and endured the cross so that I could know you. I offer you my heart today. Teach me to live in light of your sacrifice, walking in gratitude, surrender, and joy. In your loving name, Amen.