Christmas From Cover to Cover: 25-Day Advent DevotionalSample

Many people have a negative view of Christianity because they find it condemning. They don’t want to follow a grumpy God who frowns at their lifestyle. But that is not why Jesus came into the world! If this common perception were true, then Christmas would be meaningless. If Jesus came into the world simply to condemn it, then there would be no hope for sinners like us. Thanks be to God that this is not true. Christmas is the coming of the Son of God into the world so that we might not be condemned! Jesus came to pull us out of our condemnation and give us new life in the gospel. Jesus came to save us from our sins when there was no other hope. Jesus died on the cross for our salvation and not our condemnation. All those who put their faith in Him are not condemned but are saved according to the kindness of the Father. Christmas was the proclamation of good news to those in need of a Savior.

Reflection Question: Do you normally view God as someone who saves or condemns? Why do you think that is?