Twelve Names of Christ for Christmasنموونە

THE LAMB OF GOD

The book of Genesis shows us where the first sacrifice for man’s sin was made. Adam and Eve had to wear animal skin clothing in daily remembrance of their sin (Genesis 3:21), and regular sacrifices had to be made in atonement.

In the New Testament, John spoke of Jesus as the One who would do away with the Old Testament sacrificial system by becoming the last and final sacrifice for sin. The Lamb of God.

“John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

There are many prophecies about the coming Lamb of God throughout the Old Testament. Perhaps the most well-known account showing the shadow of Christ’s sacrifice is that of Abraham and Isaac, found in Genesis 22. God commands Abraham to sacrifice his “son of promise” upon an altar.

Abraham demonstrated his obedience by carrying out God’s instructions. God provides a substitute just before Abraham strikes the death blow to his beloved son. This was to typify Jesus as the substitute for mankind when He willingly laid down His life and bore our punishment on the cross. Genesis 22:6-13 tells the story:

“Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns; and Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burn offering in the stead of his son.”

God sent Jesus to die in our “stead” so that our relationship with God (which had been cut off as a result of Adam and Eve’s rebellion) could be restored. As a result of the death and resurrection of the Lamb of God, the name of all who receive the gift of salvation will be written in “the Lamb’s book of life.” (See Revelation 5:6-7; 13:8 and 21:27.)

Christmas is the celebration of the Lamb of God’s first advent (or coming). Let’s celebrate Him, who took away the sin of the world until His second advent when we will see the Lamb of God face to face!

Kids’ Corner

Many “Lamb of God” crafts can be found on the internet. As you create, discuss the Lamb of God who was without blemish and whose body and blood were for our salvation. Read Matthew 26:26-30 as you take communion together and remember the reason Christ came at Christmas.