Christmas Is for Freedom

Devotion

“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”

— Hebrews 2:14–15

Jesus became man because what was needed was the death of a man who was more than man. The incarnation was God’s locking himself into death row.

Christ did not risk death. He chose death. He embraced it. That is precisely why he came: “not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

No wonder Satan tried to turn Jesus from the cross — in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1–11) and in the mouth of Peter (Matthew 16:21–23)! The cross was Satan’s destruction. How did Jesus destroy him?

Hebrews 2:14 says that Satan has “the power of death.” That means Satan has the ability to make death fearful. “The power of death” is the power that holds men in bondage through fear of death. It is the power to keep men in sin so that death comes as a dreadful thing.

But Jesus stripped Satan of this power. He disarmed him. He molded a breastplate of righteousness for us that makes us immune to the devil’s condemnation. How did he do this?

By his death, Jesus wiped away all our sins. And a person without sin cannot be condemned by Satan. Forgiven, we are finally indestructible. Satan’s plan was to destroy God’s rule by condemning God’s followers in God’s own courtroom. But now, in Christ, there is no condemnation. Satan’s treason is aborted. His cosmic treachery is foiled. “His rage we can endure, for, lo, his doom is sure.” The cross has run him through. And he will gasp his last before long.

Christmas is for freedom. Freedom from the fear of death.

Jesus took our nature in Bethlehem, to die our death in Jerusalem — all that we might be fearless in our city today. Yes, fearless. Because if the biggest threat to my joy is gone, then why should I fret over the little ones? How can you say (really!), “Well, I’m not afraid to die but I’m afraid to lose my job”? No. No. Think!

If death (I said, death! — no pulse, cold, gone!) if death is no longer a fear, we’re free, really free. Free to take any risk under the sun for Christ and for love. No more enslavement to anxiety.

If the Son has set you free, you shall be free, indeed!

©Desiring God. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/christmas-is-for-freedom

Prayer

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor…”

— Isaiah 61:1-2

Merciful and mighty, Lord Jesus, we are so grateful you have come to set us free, for none of us are as free as you intend—not a single one of us. Though our total liberation awaits your return, through the Gospel we have already been given a most glorious freedom.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, help us come more fully alive to your bondage-breaking grace. Those you set free, are free indeed.

In our broken-heartedness, comfort us with your nearness and compassion. We know the Day of wiped-tears and redeemed pain is coming. Until then, keep free from bitterness, self-medication, and isolation.

Jesus, you know our different “captivities.” The chains of shame that bind us. The fear of man that entangles us. The cords of contempt that imprison us. The shackles of unbelief that enslave us.

Though you opened the prison door of “darkness”—actually ripped it off its hinges, take us by our hand and lead us out of the cell, Jesus. At times, the lies of our enemy seem more real than the promises of the Gospel.

Lastly, hallelujah 1000 times 1000—by your life, death, and resurrection, you have secured for us the permanent, unwavering, full-bore favor of God. Though we will only be 100% free when you return, we are already 100% loved. Make this more real than anything else to us. So VERY amen we pray, in your glorious, grace-full name.