John 3:17
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Christ did not come with only the belt of truth. Jesus was born into a sin-filled world with the full armor of God. He came to fight for us, save us, and show us the way. Even as a humble baby in a manger, Jesus has everything He needed - the full offense and defense of God - to fulfill His purpose of restoring our relationship with our Creator.
When the disciple Paul preached about the armor of God, he was describing more than a simple outfit. He was teaching us how to accept and use the impenetrable weapons and protections of the Almighty God.
Jesus was full of truth, yet He was also equipped with the breastplate of righteousness, the Gospel of peace on His feet, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the Word of God as His sword. Christ came prepared for a battle. He entered this world as an infant but ready in both mind, spirit, and body to conquer all evil and restore your and my places in the Kingdom of Heaven.
There are many who believe the Truth condemns and judges. That would be one of the war plans of the enemy. The Truth is a balance of both love and conviction. Mercy and justice. There is no condemnation in Christ.
Therefore, to honor Jesus this Christmas, let's first be thankful. Let's praise Him for His victory on our behalf. And, then let's don our own armor and cloak ourselves with love and mercy in order to light the way to truth and justice. Let's make sure those who don't know Christ as their personal Savior understand that Jesus did not come to condemn ... but to save!
Jesus, thank You for making a way for us when we did not deserve it. Thank You for donning the armor of God, enter this world, humble Yourself, and then fight on our behalf. Thank You for the sacrifice. This Christmas, I pray we can all show the world Your truth and love and prove that You did not come to condemn, but to save. It's in Your name I pray. Amen.
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