Finding Purpose, Hope and Joy Through Jesus’ BirthNäide

Day 22 – Sunday: Redemption Comes from God 

In God’s plan for humanity, the events we celebrate at Christmas have to come before we can celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday. And long before that day in Bethlehem was a day in the garden of Eden. Adam and Eve sinned and drug all humanity down with them into the consequences that came with sin. God didn’t leave us there to find a way out; instead, He came to us. That’s the meaning of Christmas. God came to rescue us from sin.

As our passage for today says, “he will save his people from their sins.” That is the reason we celebrate Advent. 

In our passage, we see Jesus called two names and another is implied.

• Jesus – The name Jesus means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” When it is transliterated from Hebrew and Aramaic, Jesus’ name is Yeshua, which is a combination of Ya (an abbreviation for Yahweh, the name of God) and the verb yasha (“rescue,” “deliver,” or “save”). Jesus’ name bears witness to His distinct mission.
• Immanuel – This name means “God with us” or “God is with us.” Jesus came to Earth as fully human and fully God. This miraculous baby was God making His home among us.
• Savior – Our verses today say that Jesus will save His people from their sins. He is our deliverer, our rescuer. He saves us from sin and death.

We celebrate Advent because the angel declared Jesus’ identity! He will save His people from their sins.