Today we celebrate the birth of Christ. If you ask a number of people why Jesus came, you’ll receive a number of answers such as:
“He came to bring world peace.”
“He came to teach us the way.”
“He came to set up a kingdom.”
“He came to bring economic justice.”
The list could go on and on, but these answers are only partially true.
When Christ came to earth over 2,000 years ago, he quoted a 400-year-old prophecy from Isaiah 61:1 to tell us about His mission. “The Spirit of Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor, He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
In plain language, Jesus was saying, “I have some good news for you. God has sent me on a mission. He has sent me to restore and release something–and that something is you. I am here to give you back your heart and set you free.”
Christ could have chosen a thousand other passages to explain His life purpose, but He chose this passage above all the others because the heart of His mission is to restore and release you. But for what purpose?
One primary purpose is found in Galatians 5:13-14: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Do you need to be set free from anger, doubt, fear, insecurity, pride, worry, greed, selfishness, shame, stress, people pleasing, jealousy, a lack of self-control, financial burdens, or being controlling, or critical so you can genuinely love others? Here’s my challenge: let’s make it our goal to love well! When we do, we can experience the freedom Christ came to grant to those who follow Him.
For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Blueprint wants to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!
