Examining CHRISTMAS: Miracles, Advent, and Salvation

On today’s Bible Answer Man broadcast (12/24/24), as we arrive at Christmas Eve, Hank concludes his special series on his acronym CHRISTMAS, detailing the final three letters of the acronym. The “M” in CHRISTMAS represents Miracles. Modernity has left many with the false impression that the virgin birth is nothing more than ancient superstition. But, in reality, miracles are not only possible, they are absolutely necessary in order to make sense of the universe in which we live. The “A” in CHRISTMAS represents Advent. The term Advent literally means “coming.” As such, Advent is a season in which the Christian church celebrates the coming in flesh of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The final letter in the CHRISTMAS acronym is “S”, which represents Salvation. On Christmas Eve, it is time to turn our hearts toward the primary reason for the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ—namely, the salvation of sinners. The very name—Jesus—embodies salvation, as it is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua, meaning “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.” This Christmas season and throughout the coming year, may you be ever mindful of the reality that God has condescended to use you as the means through which the free gift of the water of life is dispensed to a parched and thirsty world.