Are You Good Or Bad?

Luke 2:13-14 – And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (NKJV)

As Christmas approaches, I keep hearing these admonitions to children: "Have you been good or bad?" "If you are not good, Santa Claus will not come." The children quickly get the message, "I have to be good or I won't get that toy or video game that I have been longing for."

What a contrast between the coming of Santa Claus and the coming of Jesus Christ. He did not come into this world because we were good. Had we been good, it would not have been necessary. God's definition of "good" is "perfect", and we all fall short because of our sinfulness. Christ was sent into this world because we were bad. Had we been good according to God's original plan, He would not have had to send His one and only Son Jesus Christ into a sinful world to cover our sins, and to bring peace on earth, goodwill to men, and the promise of a place with Him in eternity.

Luke 1:30-33 – Then the angel told Mary, "Don't be afraid! God is pleased with you, and you will have a son. His name will be Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of God Most High. The Lord God will make him king, as his ancestor David was. He will rule the people of Israel forever, and his kingdom will never end." (CEV)

So many have spurned this incredible gift, and the forces of evil and darkness are running rampant in this world today. It seems that the world is in more turmoil now than it was two thousand years ago. Satan is still roaming this earth to see whom he can devour. But there is still hope and God's promise:

John 3:16 – God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die. (CEV)

At this blessed time of year, let us ever be mindful that in the long run, good can and will overcome evil.

Prayer: Almighty God, King of kings and Lord of lords, we know in our hearts that You have the whole world in Your hands, and that You will be triumphant. Watch over all the little children who are victims of so much evil in this world today. Surround them with Your protective angels day and night. We look forward to the day when we will be re-united with You in Your heavenly kingdom. Thank You for Jesus. In His name, we pray. Amen.