A Savior Is Born

My junior year of college, I was blessed to spend a semester abroad in England. One day, during some free time, a friend and I went around to visit some of the quaint, little shops. I can't remember anything else about that day, but I can still picture the gloomy store we walked into. It was dark and the atmosphere was oppressive as though something wicked were lurking inside; it makes my skin crawl thinking about it even now. Being a "church kid," I'd never experienced anything like this before in my life--it felt as if the air were contaminated by evil. I tried to be polite to my friend, but it wasn't long before I left and waited for her out in the bright, welcome sunshine.

When I think about Jesus coming to earth, I often remember that experience. I can't help wondering whether Jesus felt the same way as I did, except He had to feel it for 33 years. Jesus was complete goodness, coming to a planet in which every part is tainted by sin. What was it like for Him? Did His skin crawl as He walked the roads? Did He feel the evil pressing down on Him as He walked into Jerusalem? I admit, it gives me a much greater appreciation for Jesus' sacrifice when I ponder it.

Then I think about us--about the millions of people trapped in this world with no hope for a better life unless Someone from the outside reaches down to pull us out. We need a Savior, desperately, and God in His love and goodness, gave us exactly who we needed. That is the beauty and wonder of Christmas and of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. We needed a Savior, so God sent His Beloved Son. Colossians 1:13-14 says it far better than I can. "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

This Ash Wednesday, may we never forget that we have been rescued from darkness and may we walk today in His forgiveness and light.