As we get close to Christmastime, it’s so awesome to look at foreshadowing and prophecy about Jesus coming to Earth and seeing how it correlates to the New Testament. In the passages we read today, we are shown a clear symbol of Christ. Too often we criticize the Israelites and foolishly think we would’ve done better. At the same time, we get caught up in our own busy lives and lose sight of the simplicity of the Gospel – that we only need to trust and obey God. We are going to mess up; we’re human!

The important thing is that we turn to God first when we mess up. God’s reaction to His people when they cry out to Him is beautiful. He not only grants them mercy, He sends them help. More important than physically healing them, He forgives their sins and does the same for us. (John 3:17) This holiday season, let’s not forget to look to Jesus – if we forget Him, everything we do is in vain. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” This Christmas, will you “go through the motions” or will you pursue Christ as He is so faithfully pursuing you? Will you remember the Cross and be thankful for what it stands for? 1 John 5:11-12 says, “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” The Gospel is just as simple as that. Let’s not forget how beautiful this simple Gospel is.