Many of us celebrate Christmas and then we go on our way. Frankly, we often forget that the birth of Jesus is only the beginning. In truth there was much work, and suffering ahead before the plan was complete.

Indeed, on the cross about 33 years later Jesus, from the cross, says, “It is finished.” And then 3 days later, he arose from the grave. The plan was laid down before the planet was spoken into existence.

As a newborn baby, he became all human while remaining all God. How can this be, you ask? I don’t know. It is but one of the many miracles that was part of the plan. You see, it had to be that way. It is why God did it that way.

While with us, He was an example, a teacher, a miracle worker, but all this time, he knew his primary mission was still ahead of him. He knew the pain and suffering he would go through certainly at least by the time He was 12.

He knew what the “Good” people in the leadership of the Jews would do and why. He knew Judas would betray him. He knew how the religious leaders would pronounce false judgment on Him in an illegal trial and turn Him over to the Romans.

You see, He knew it was part of the plan. He actually took part in the plan. Even before God said, “Let there be Light,” He knew the pain and suffering he would go through, which is far more than any of us can comprehend.

He knew about the Roman judgment. He knew He would die on a cross made of wood. It was not a surprise to Him. The people taunted, “others he saved. Himself he cannot save.” The thing is, the people didn’t understand, He could step down off the cross, but that was not the plan, you see. He knew his mission was to die on the cross; and, of course, the taunting just added to the suffering. You see, it would have been so tempting for Him to just step down off he cross and say, “See. I can do it.” It would have been very impressive but he would not have saved us by doing that.

You see, it was the plan, from the beginning it was the plan and He steadfastly was determined to see the plan through. And so it was, He died, He was buried and then, 3 days later, he rose from the dead.

Now, you ask, why would He do such a thing. He didn’t have to. He could have come to earth as a king and rule here forever. However, that was not the plan.

The plan from the beginning of the planning to the end of the execution was for one and only one reason. It was all to provide a way to save mankind.

What did we do to deserve such an act by Jesus? Nothing. Not a thing. He did it because He knew our punishment was eternal death in hell. So He stepped in and took our punishment totally and completely because He wanted to for our sakes. Such love goes well beyond human comprehension.

In order to receive that salvation, we must totally accept that salvation. To accept that Salvation we must recognize our need for that salvation and we must turn from the desire to sin to the desire to follow Jesus.

If we recognize our sin and turn to Jesus and then accept Jesus as our only salvation, The Holy Spirit will put his seal on us, which no one can remove. It insures eternal life with God and no one can change it. Indeed, if someone could change it, it would not be eternal life, would it?

If you can’t see the benefit in that deal, I simply have no idea what might be standing in the way of the most important decision you will ever will make.

By the way, you might want to tell others about it too. You know. Friends, neighbors and relatives. You might even tell your enemies about it. It just might make that enemy into a friend.

And just one more thing. It will make Jesus very happy too.