Christmas – the beginning of a Cosmic Rescue
Bruce Stewart
A highlight from our recent visit to a planetarium was being able to lie down comfortably on bean bags, look upwards and observe high-resolution images and 360-degree projections of cosmic scenes, composed of visuals from NASA and the European Space Agency and other astronomy sources. The detail of tens of thousands of stars, planets and constellations of the vast cosmos around us was awesome to see. The cosmos is incredible in its complexity, wonder and beauty reminding me of the words “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
In the midst of this incomprehensibly large universe around us is planet earth – our home wonderfully created for human habitation. (Isaiah 45:18). The Bible tells us that we are designed to have fellowship with our Creator but we humans rebelled thus destroying the relationship. We cannot rescue ourselves so our Creator stepped in with a “cosmic rescue plan.” “The Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world” (1 John 4:14).
Jesus' mission, signified by His name "Saviour" was to serve, give His life as a ransom, and defeat sin's power, bringing reconciliation and a new life to those who believe and become followers of Jesus, fulfilling God's saving intent for everyone thus saving them from a hell destiny. An example of one of millions around the world who have become a follower of Jesus is Dr Francis Collins who was raised as an atheist and appointed director of the International Human Genome Project which successfully sequenced all 3 billion letters of our DNA. One day an elderly, dying woman challenged Dr Francis regarding his beliefs. This eminent scientist checked out the evidence about Jesus which led him one day to, “fall on my knees and ask Christ to be my Saviour. My days of wilful blindness towards God were gone. The search was over, that was the most “significant decision of my life.”
The real meaning of Christmas is all about Jesus, the Christmas carols echo this thought, for example, “Hark the Herald Angels sing, glory to the new born King.” Yes, we can enjoy the gift giving, the “ho, ho’s” of Santa and happiness of meeting with friends, families and community at Christmas but as someone once said: “Jesus is the reason for the season.” The nativity scene represents so much more than just a touching story. Christmas is in fact a reminder of an amazing reality that God’s Son took on flesh – Immanuel – meaning “God with us.” Without Jesus there is no Christmas. Jesus took on flesh so that we could hear and see what God was like. Such is the sin of human kind that we put Him on a cross to die an horrific death, but out of the sacrifice of the perfect Jesus and His resurrection a means of reconciliation between sinners and a holy God was established.
It is only in knowing and following the Christ of Christmas that we gain answers to the big questions of life, “Where have we come from?” “Why am I here?” and “What happens after I die?” This Christmas might we stand amazed at the God who gave up His heavenly home to be born as a child, live as a man, die as our Saviour and rise as our Lord and King. Perhaps there is someone who you might know or you yourself might like to say “Yes” to being rescued this Christmas – as Dr Francis Collins did a number of years ago?
Thank God for the angelic proclamation of 2000+ years ago, “A Saviour has been born to you; He is Christ the” (Luke 2:11) Have a happy and holy Christmas.
