Redemption In a Manger

Christmas brings the redemption of many things. For one, the boxed Christmas tree is spread out, fluffed and decorated with lights and ornaments. The once smashed tree is transformed into a beautiful symbol of the season.

Redemption is the act of making something better or more acceptable. Hope, peace, love, and joy are once again renewed in the wounded world. We hope for better times ahead. Candles lit with hope bring warmth to our hearts. We pray for peace in the chaotic life around us. We get another chance to make relationships right by showing love and forgiveness.

The babe in the manger brought redemption for all of us.

God’s plan for our redemption began in an obscure manger with Jesus’ birth to ordinary people. The miracle of redemption is that God spoke His word and the Word became flesh.

“(Jesus), being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.” Philippians 2:6-7 NIV

Jesus didn’t stay in the manger, sweet and cuddly, but grew to adulthood and embraced his purpose—our redemption.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross!” Philippians 2:8 NIV

Motivated by love to save us from all sin, fears, and death—Jesus gave his life for our redemption.

Our minds struggle to grasp this truth. We think we have to work for redemption or prove our worthiness. But all God desires is for us to accept His love, this redemption born on Christmas. It is the greatest gift.

The lyrics to O Holy Night express this beautifully:

“O holy night
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appeared and the soul felt it’s worth.”

Yes—He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth. Let those words penetrate your heart. We are valued through the birth of Jesus because He will be the sacrifice to bring us back into relationship with God. We could not do this on our own. Only God could provide the sacrifice needed. And He did.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7 NIV

Ponder the beauty and majesty of redemption on that holy night.