As we begin the month of December, I am reminded of the true expression of love that we celebrate this time of year. Jesus, when speaking to Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, explained His entire mission and purpose for coming to Earth in these words: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10)

The Christmas story is beautiful. A babe laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes. Shepherds being invited to visit the newly born Lamb of God. Wise men following a star to worship the King of Kings. Yet as we start this Christmas season, we should remember there was a profound purpose in Christ coming to Earth. Jesus had been born to seek and to save the lost. The lost are all of us, as we are all lost due to the stain of sin in our lives (Romans 3:23). Jesus had come to find us, to reconcile us to the Father, and to offer forgiveness and eternal life to all.

In order to do so, there was a price. Scripture teaches that the wages of sin is death. So Jesus, although He committed no sin, went to the cross in my place and bore the punishment of my sin, dying so that He could give me life. Now, if I believe in my heart that Jesus has died for my sin, is raised again, and accept His free gift of salvation by asking Him to save me, the Bible says I will be saved, forgiven, and given everlasting life.

So this babe, laid in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, visited by shepherds and wise men and whose birth was celebrated by angels, was born for a purpose. This baby was born to die that I might live. Jesus said, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

The Christmas season is a time to remember God’s exceptional love for you and I. I encourage you to join me today in taking a moment to go before the Lord and thank Him for His great love for us—love that led Jesus to leave His heavenly throne, to lay in a manger, and then eventually lay down His life on the cross. Let us rejoice that He rose again, is alive forevermore, and gives eternal life to all who call upon His name for the salvation of their souls.

What amazing love this is.