For our sake he made him to be sin ... that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 5:21

Christmas Eve was the children’s service. Our parents had us 8 kids open gifts before church so we would have new clothes to wear. We gave simple gifts to Mom and Dad — a lopsided exchange.

At the heart of the Christmas story is a far greater exchange. God sent Jesus to take our sin and give us his righteousness: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

As we exchange gifts this Christmas, let’s thank God for this profound exchange, a reminder of his boundless love and the incredible gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Steve Hess
Fort Myers, FL

Thank you, Father, for sending your Son to take our sin and give us his righteousness. Help us to cherish this greatest exchange. Amen.

Reflect: Receive and celebrate the real gift of Christmas in Jesus’ sacrifice.

Read: Romans 3:21-26 and 2 Corinthians 5:17-21