As we continue to prepare for the celebrations surrounding Christmas Day, it’s appropriate to remember why Christ came in the first place. Today’s Good Word tells us that we were not saved by our own righteous works but instead by God’s mercy.

No matter how many good deeds we do, we also commit sin. Good works cannot wash away sin or pay the price for it. Under the Law of Moses, a blood sacrifice was required to forgive sin (not a penance of good deeds).

Jesus Christ came to earth in order to be the last of those blood sacrifices. During His life, He did only good deeds and no sin. Therefore, He was the only one worthy to enter heaven based on His life track record. Instead of claiming His reward, He offered it to us — those who could never obtain it without Him.

This Christmas, let’s remember our place before God and where we stand in relationship to Him. He is so high above us, but He sacrificed so much to raise us to His eternal presence.

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.