I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
Luke 5:32 NIV
Christmas draws attention to a profound spiritual reality, because Christ came to save a sinner like me. Although many focus on dates and traditions, the incarnation reveals God’s love in action. God left heavenly glory and lived among humanity in flesh. Therefore, Christmas celebrates divine mercy entering ordinary human life.
The incarnation shows God’s deliberate choice to dwell with humanity. Rather than remaining distant, God took the form of an ordinary man and lived among us (John 1:14). Consequently, the meaning of Christmas rests in this spiritual reality, not a calendar date. Furthermore, the coming of Jesus reveals God’s desire to reach sinners with grace. As a result, the season points hearts toward redemption rather than ritual.
Christ entered the world with a clear mission to save sinners everywhere. Scripture calls this message trustworthy, because Christ came to save even the worst of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). However, Jesus did not come for those who trust their own righteousness. Instead, He came for those who recognise their need for grace. Therefore, the Gospel invites honest repentance rather than religious pride.
The apostle Paul’s testimony illustrates this truth with clarity. He called himself the worst of sinners. Previously, he lived as a blasphemer and violent persecutor. Yet God showed him mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. Consequently, the Lord poured out grace with faith and love found in Christ Jesus.
Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus produced total surrender. At that moment, Paul recognised the voice of God and responded in repentance. As a result, his life changed direction completely. Moreover, this transformation offers hope to anyone living in ignorance today. Therefore, no sinner stands beyond the reach of God’s saving call.
Although I was not a persecutor like Paul, I was no better a sinner than he was. Likewise, you may not share Paul’s past, yet you still need the same grace. Nevertheless, Christ Jesus came for all sinners, including the very worst. Therefore, He came for me just as surely as He came for Paul, and He came for you as well.
Meanwhile, the Gospel also carries urgency for every listener. The Holy Spirit urges people to listen today and avoid hardened hearts. Hebrews warns against repeating Israel’s wilderness rebellion after witnessing God’s works for forty years (Hebrews 3:7–10). Consequently, hearing God’s Word now signals a present opportunity for salvation. Because of this, no one should ignore God’s current offer of grace.
Ultimately, God’s invitation remains open to all, regardless of past failure. Scripture declares that human righteousness appears as filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6). Therefore, everyone needs the grace found in Christ alone. Indeed, the essence of Christmas reveals life and restoration for the undeserving. Above all, Christ came to save a sinner like me, and this truth calls for gratitude.
Living It Out
Reflect on the incarnation and respond with gratitude today. Listen to God’s voice without delay. Turn from self-trust and receive grace through Christ. Thank Jesus personally for coming to save a sinner like you.