In a world marked by both beauty and brokenness, the resounding cry for a Savior echoes through the ages. The notion is not merely a theological abstraction but a profound recognition of our inherent need for redemption, restoration, and reconciliation. I believe it was Billy Graham that spoke about a “God-shaped hole” that we try to fill with everything; alcohol, drugs, money, love, relationships. Only to realize that without God, these quickly become void of any meaning. We are left unsatiated and needing more to fill the hole that only the love of a Savior can fill.
From the pages of ancient texts to the narratives of our personal stories, the human condition is marred by imperfections, frailties, and a propensity for moral failure. Despite our best intentions, we find ourselves entangled in a web of broken relationships, personal shortcomings, and the consequences of a world touched by sin. The awareness of our limitations and the yearning for something beyond ourselves point to a need that extends beyond human capability.
Yet, within the human heart resides a deep-seated longing for redemption. It is a desire for a second chance, a clean slate, and a restoration of what has been lost or damaged. This innate craving is reflected in the universal human experience—a collective acknowledgment that we need to be rescued from the consequences of our actions and the brokenness that pervades our world. The recognition that we are sinners.
In the pursuit of meaning and purpose, humanity grapples with existential questions. Who are we? Why are we here? What is the purpose of life? The need for a Savior is intricately woven into these inquiries, for it is through a relationship with God that we find ultimate purpose and direction. And without the sacrifice of Jesus, we wouldn’t be able to find that purpose and direction. He became sin and stood in our place so that we could approach a Holy God. He lived a perfect life, when we couldn’t, knowing His road would end at the cross. Loving us so very much that He knew without that ending, we would face death everlasting. The love of our Savior provides not just answers but a transformative journey toward a life of significance and fulfillment.
The concept of a Savior is grounded in the acknowledgment of sin—a force that separates us from the divine and stains the fabric of our existence. Whether through acts of commission or omission, the reality of sin underscores the universal need for reconciliation and forgiveness. Christ became the bridge that spanned that gap. The great divide, with only one way across. To own what we were without Him, and accept what is offered through Him.
For many, the holidays are times of despair, uncertainty, loneliness and adversity. The God shaped hole that exists is highlighted during this time and the need for a Savior becomes acutely apparent. When human efforts fall short and the challenges of life seem insurmountable, the hope anchored in Him provides a sure foundation for our souls. This hope transcends circumstances and points to a source of strength beyond ourselves—a love that assures us that, no matter how broken or lost we may feel, redemption is possible.
In essence, recognizing the need for our Savior is not a sign of weakness but a testament to our shared humanity. It is an acknowledgment that, despite our best efforts, we are in need of a guiding light, a source of redemption, and a transformative power that can lift us from the depths of our brokenness. Acknowledgement that without it, we are nothing. That this Savior came into the world in a manger is both inconceivable and indicative of the very power of the One who sent Him. May we truly remember the “why” of the Christmas season this year.
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