The Season and the Reason

Mary was pregnant. A distressed Joseph thought about severing the relationship. “But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 1:20).

The angel gave further information and direction. “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name Jesus is a New Testament form of Joshua meaning, “Jehovah saves.”

Jesus saves. Salvation has to do with sins. Sins are violations of God’s standard for our lives. God gives us His standard in the Ten Commandments. One of them requires truth and being true (Exodus 20:16). Lying and deceit are violations of God’s standard. Lies undercut life.

Jesus saves from sins. Jesus separates people from evil conduct, such a lying, in two ways. He bears the penalty for their conduct. He died as a sacrifice for their sins. He provides new life through the Holy Spirit. He arose from the grave to do so.

Jesus saves His people. He has a focused mission. His people are those who believe in Him and trust in Him. This is the reason for the season.