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

 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

This morning, my focus is DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, where John Piper seeks for believers to prepare our hearts for Christmas.  Today's Solid Joys daily devotion marks day 11  of Advent, and today Piper explores what he refers to as "[his] favorite Advent text." He explains why it is his favorite by sharing that "[he doesn’t] know any other that expresses so clearly the connection between the beginning and the end of Jesus’s earthly life — between the incarnation and crucifixion. These two verses make clear why Jesus came; namely, to die." Piper devotes some time demonstrating how believers can use this text to "walk them step-by-step through their Christian view of Christmas."  These steps include:

1. God sent His Son Jesus to save and effect the salvation of His children - those who are adopted by Christ by receiving Him as their Lord and Savior. See also Isaiah 8:18, 53:10.  God loved the world but elected only those He deemed His children.  See also John 3:16, 1:12, 11:15, 1 Timothy 4:10
2. The heart of our faith is belief what is a mystery - that God "became fully man [yet] remained fully God."  See also John 1:1, Colossians 2:9
3. Jesus became a man so that He could die - He had to be born human
4. In dying, Jesus "de-fanged the devil...This means that Satan has no legitimate grounds to accuse us before God....Satan’s ultimate weapon against us is our own sin. If the death of Jesus takes it away, the chief weapon of the devil — the one mortal weapon that he has — is taken out of his hand. He cannot make a case for our death penalty, because the Judge has acquitted us by the death of his Son!"
5. Believers are freed from death.  "God has justified us. Satan cannot overturn that decree. And God means for our ultimate safety to have an immediate effect on our lives. He means for the happy ending to take away the slavery and fear of the Now.  If we do not need to fear our last and greatest enemy, death, then we do not need to fear anything. We can be free. Free for joy. Free for others."   

In view of this text, and in particular how God frees us (#5), Piper wants us to see how great a Christmas present we have in Jesus!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who gives us victory over sin and death.  Thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.