Is Calvary the Reason for the Season
Lew's Musings
December 17, 2011
Time keeps rolling along as we thank God for His eternal plan. This season is a wonderful reminder of God's love for mankind despite the reality that "all we like sheep have gone astray". How exciting to be reminded of God's great love for all mankind. He created mankind in His image and into us breathed His breath of life. Mankind failed by choice but God did not and will not fail.
Thank God for "Christmas" - the name given to the date we celebrate HIS birthday. May we never forget HIS love and sacrifice for "fallen man". Jesus came, lived among fallen man, lived a sinless life, was crucified in our place that we might be restored to our rightful place. Now we can do HIS will to tell the good news to all HIS creatures so they can also be restored into His image!!
Lew Peterson
Calvary is the Reason for the Season
Calvary is perhaps one of the most misunderstood yet is the greatest event in history. It is the center of redemption's message. Without the events around Calvary, mankind has no hope
The song writer made it clear, "if it had not been for a place called Calvary, if it had not been for an old rugged cross, if it had not been for a man called Jesus, forever my soul would be lost." To take Calvary, the old rugged cross, and Jesus, the Son of God, away from history, leaves mankind without hope. There's good news. That is not a problem!
Jesus, the Son of God, was born of a virgin, miracle number one. He lived a sinless life during His thirty three years, miracle number two, while living among "fallen humanity" who all had sinned and come short of the glory of God. Though publicly crucified with two "robbers", who deserved the judgment they were receiving, Jesus arose from the grave in three days as He had said, miracle number three. In Matthew 27:63, His promise to rise was recalled, "sir we remember while he was still alive, how that deceiver said 'After three days I will rise'" and He did!! Thank God the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT, that JESUS, our Redeemer, willingly took our place that we might be restored to our rightful position eternally.
As we take time to meditate on this season we begin to realize how important Calvary was and still is. Jesus came to live among mankind for a brief season. He came in a miraculous way that we might live in a miraculous life. He did this in the spite of Adam's disobedience and failure that was our inheritance before Calvary.
Christmas is more than an earthly celebration, it is the fulfillment of God's eternal plan and purpose. What the fist Adam lost because of disobedience the Last Adam, Jesus, restored through His obedience. Our responsibility is to believe in the Christ Who was born on that "first" Christmas day. We receive Him as God's only begotten Son, and follow Him by accepting His sinless life, His death, His resurrection and ascension back to His Father.
The greatest Gift of all was given by God, He gave His only begotten Son. We have eternal life offered to us as a result of His gift.
It's time to open His gift to you if you haven't. Now is the time, today is the day. Call upon Him. Believe in Him. He loves you. He is the road to eternal life. He is the answer to every problem. He is peace in the middle of the storm. He is a friend that stays closer than a brother. His love is never failing. His mercy knows no limits. His grace is greater than all our failures and sin.
May this season be crowned by His love and grace in your life. May you be blessed as you join the multitudes celebrating his birth.
Lew and Marion Peterson