December 24, 2011 — by David C. McCasland
Our Daily Bread
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory? —1 Corinthians 15:55
Bible in a year:
Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15
Habakkuk 1-3; Revelation 15
Medical
researchers are working tirelessly to find a cure for cancer, a clue to
the mystery of Alzheimer’s, and ways to conquer a host of other
debilitating diseases. But what if you awoke to headlines saying DEATH
DESTROYED! Would you believe it? Could you believe it?
The New Testament proclaims that for the believer in Christ, death has
been destroyed—reduced to inactivity—rendered incapable of doing what
it once did. “So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and
this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the
saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Cor. 15:54).
This good news is for everyone who will receive it—just as the angel
told the shepherds when Jesus was born, “Do not be afraid, for behold,
I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For
there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is
Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the end for death. “The
sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks
be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:56-57).
That is why we celebrate Christmas!
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. —Wesley
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth. —Wesley
The birth of Christ brought God to man; the cross of Christ brings man to God.
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