Live to Love Scripture Encouragement Heb. 2.14-15

Hebrews 2:14-15 “Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” These verses may be the best summary of Jesus’ life in the Scriptures. They cover His life from birth to death. They reveal why He came to earth which means we are given the meaning of Jesus’ birth. He was born to die. He could not come to earth as God and render Satan powerless by defeating death. He had to become one of us—share in flesh and blood—so that through His death He might make the devil, who had the power of death, powerless. On this Christmas eve, I encourage us all to not forget the reason for the season. “There has been born for you a savior, who is Christ the Lord!” Christmas is more about the Savior than it is about a baby born in Bethlehem. Jesus came to free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. When someone is afraid of dying, they live in fear. Few things hinder the flow of love more than fear. In contrast, when we live to love with Jesus, there is no fear of death, because we know we have passed out of death into life. The apostle John wrote, “We know we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love abides in death” (1 Jo. 3:14). He also wrote in 4:18, “There is no fear in love; but perfect (completed) love casts out fear.” The best way to celebrate Christmas is to pour out the love of Jesus on those He puts in your path. That’s why He was born. He was born to die to set us free to love with Him for the glory of God. Have a lovely Christmas! Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com