(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

At this time of year, the world focuses tremendous attention on Santa Claus and the many gifts they want. Kids and adults enjoy talking about Santa, about being good, and what they want for Christmas.

However, if the truth is to be known, it is a deliberate attempt of the devil to reject the real meaning of the season. Over 2,000 years ago, a Savior was born into this world, and His name is Christ the Lord. He came for the sole purpose to sacrifice His life for the ransom of our souls. But, what does that mean?

Mankind was born with a sin nature. We naturally sin instead of doing right. What proof do we have for such a statement? Well, when you raise a small child, do you have to teach the child to be GOOD or BAD? Sinning comes easy … righteous living takes effort. But, with Jesus living in us, it is doable, although we fail much and are still sinners saved by Grace. Saved people still sin, BUT GOD will forgive us our sins.

God demands a perfect sacrifice for our sins, a debt we owe and cannot pay. But, Jesus, being perfect in all ways, gave His life willingly on the cross for a debt He did not owe, and was the only one who could pay.

What is sin, might you ask? Sin is anything we SAY, DO, or THINK (this is frightening) that is not pleasing to a Holy God. As you might imagine, that encompasses a lot of stuff.

But, all we have to do to receive eternal life with God is to ADMIT we are sinners and need a savior, ASK Jesus into our hearts to save us, and ACCEPT Him as our Personal Lord and Savior. It is so simple that a child can do it. It is our choice.

Of course, the world likes to say it cannot be that easy. Well, it is. Baptism does not save us. Baptism is simply an outer demonstration of what has taken place internally.

Of course, the most important thing to remember about the Christmas season is that it means absolutely NOTHING without Easter. If Jesus did not rise from the dead after 3 days by His own power, then we are still dead in our sins.

Turn to Jesus today before it is too late.

Robert Sadler

Marietta