By Larry Stover

Pastor of Praise Park Ministries Church of the Nazarene

What are you craving for this Christmas Season? It might be some new electronic gadgets, that perfect new “big boy” toy, or maybe something to make you look younger again.

All of us need a savior from time to time. It’s great when your car breaks down and a Good Samaritan stops to help. We always appreciate it when someone gets us out of one of the many jams that seem to fill our busy lives.

Christmas reminds those of us in the Christian faith that this season is all about Jesus who came to earth to be the Savior of the world. Old Testament prophets used the term some 37 times to speak of His coming. New Testament writers resounded the theme in Christ the Messiah who could change us forever.

The Old Testament writers saw God as their Savior. David is recorded in 2 Samuel 22:3, “God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation…He is my stronghold, my refuge, and my savior.” During Old Testament times the Children of Israel saw God as someone who would protect, help and guide. He was a refuge in times of trouble.

Isaiah the prophet wrote, “I am the Lord, and apart from me there is no Savior.” (43:11) Hosea 13:4 added to this by stating, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt. You shall acknowledge no other God but me, no Savior except me.”

By the time Jesus arrived, the Children of Israel knew He would not only be a Savior; He would be the only Savior. Matthew 1:21 established the new directive of the Messiah. He would not only be there as counselor, friend, and guide, He would also “save the people from their sins.”

The announcement of His birth (Luke 2:11) echoed a comparable exclamation, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

All the New Testament writers reverberated the same. The Apostle John made it clear (John 4:42). “We have heard Him ourselves and know that He is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.”

As we look ahead to Christmas day, who is your savior? Can you perceive of him taking away your sin? Can you imagin him changing your life completely?

People continually look for a savior to rescue them from the struggles of life.

As I talk with people of many faiths, I always like to ask them if their faith works in their life. Does it give you peace in the midst of such a troubled world? Does it give you hope in spite of the uncertainty? My Christian faith works! It gives a peace the average person who is not a believer can’t comprehend. My hope is unshakable.

If you are looking for that “perfect” Savior, give me a call or drop by and let me introduce you to the best Savior of them all.

Merry Christmas!