” The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly ” (John 10:10).
This time of year everyone is hustling and bustling about. Searching for something and often finding nothing. People become so preoccupied with looking for the perfect gift that they often forget the truly perfect gift. Presents are great and giving is wonderful especially if we are giving out of a heart of love, following the example shown that amazingly wonderful night when Jesus came to earth. But all too often the world catches our mind and turns our heart away from the true gift that isn’t limited to this season, doesn’t wear out, expire or become out of style but is perfect, not just now but for eternity. Yes, this time of year we should be hustling and bustling but not about the things of this world but about the fact that Jesus has come! There is no better time than now to spread the good news of His gospel. Even the non-religious have tender hearts to the gospel of Jesus, because during this time of year everyone is inclined to hear for it is the time we celebrate His birth.
So, if Christmas is the time we celebrate His birth then why do so many people get lost in the secularism of Christmas? The answer is easy. The devil cannot stand for Jesus to have all the attention and focus so he created diversions, infiltrated people’s hearts and minds and ever so slightly moved their focus away from God and right in the middle of the stress, chaos, and rat race of the world. You see a close examination of John 10:10 will show us just how we get so wrapped up in the holiday that we truly forget Christmas.
The Bible tells us that ” Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience :” (Ephesians 2:2). Unfortunately, for some of us the time isn’t in the past that we are walking in disobedience, but in the present. The devil has one thing on his mind and that is moving you away from the presence of God thereby deceiving you into denying the power of God that is within you (Ephesians 3:20). Jesus refers to the devil as a thief because he steals you away from righteousness. The devil never plays fair. The devil always uses deceit, trickery and false ideas to pull you from the truth. Therefore, Jesus calls him a thief, a name he rightly deserves.
But, look further into this beloved scripture. Jesus exposes the devil for the treacherous being he is. Jesus explains the motives of the devil. Jesus says, ” The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy ” (John 10:10a). There is nothing good about the devil. The devil is evil personified and brings with him death, destruction and a passport to hell.
Oh, but praise be to God the story doesn’t end there. The devil may be the prince and the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) but ” greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world ” (I John 4:4b). And though the thief came to steal, and to kill and to destroy, Jesus came. And He brought with Him, life and not just any life but an abundant life. And He carries with Him the passport to Heaven.
” And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins ” (Matthew 1:21). ” Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with u s” (Matthew 1:23). ” For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace ” (Isaiah 9:6). ” For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord ” (Luke 2:11). ” For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost ” (Luke 19:10). He has come! Now that is something to get excited about, to get carried away with and to give to everyone you see. ‘Tis the season-” behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation ” (II Corinthians 6:2b).