So if the Son makes you free, you will be free for sure.
John 8:35 (NLV)
Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence. Their conviction for freedom resulted in untold sufferings for themselves and their families. Of the fifty-six men, five were captured by the British and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes destroyed. Two lost their sons fighting for freedom. Another had two sons captured. Nine of the fifty-six men fought and died.
Freedom is costly. God more than anyone knows this. He allowed His Son Jesus to come to Earth and pay the ultimate price to give us freedom. Because Jesus was born, everyone now has the opportunity to truly be free. As we celebrate Christmas this month, I’m reminded that December 25th is really a celebration of our freedom as much as it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The two go hand in hand. Had Jesus never chosen to be born on Earth, we would have never been offered the choice to receive Him as Savior and to receive the freedom He offers from our sins.
Psalm 118:5 says, “…the Lord answered me and set me free.” By choosing to receive Jesus as Savior, each person can accept His love and find ultimate freedom in a relationship with Him.
As Americans, our freedom is now under attack more than ever before from extremists who want to destroy this nation and abolish the freedom for which those fifty-six men sacrificed as signers of the Declaration of Independence. As Christians, we too are under attack. On average, eleven Christians are killed every hour around the world!
Again, freedom is costly.
How good it is to know that we have a Lord who loves us and wants us to live in freedom every day! No matter the events that unfold here on Earth, choosing Jesus means that you can have confidence in knowing that you will forever spend eternity with Him in Heaven.
As you celebrate Christmas this month with your family, take a moment to talk about the high cost of freedom. Remember the men and women who selflessly gave (and are giving) their lives fighting for freedom. Pray for Christians being persecuted right now around the world. And, take time to celebrate Jesus and the fact that His birth allows us to be free.
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