Matthew 1:21-23 -- On Being Saved From Sin

"And she shall bring forth a son and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
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 us."
Matthew 1:21-23


This is cool to me because it says that Christ will save us from our sins... and I find that to be so true. :)  Kind of saving us from ourselves... saving us from our mistakes and our misjudgements, and even our outright rebellion.  Just like a parent, trying to deal with a teenager going through a particularly rough phase. :)  (I was going to compare us to two-year olds, but you know... unfortunately, our disobedience is often too calculated for that.)

We need saving, and the sooner we realize that, the sooner we attain a little maturity.  We often think that our Dad is wrong, that we know so much better than he does... and we don't think about the fact that he is older, wiser, and... in this case at least... knows *exactly* what we are going through.  Listening to him would be a good idea.  Of course, he knows that we won't sometimes, and that's one of the reasons that we celebrate Christmas... Christ came to earth so that when we don't listen, it won't be the end for us.  He gave us a way to get back on track... to come back, no matter how many strikes we have against us.  He offers us his love and trust even if we have abused it thousands of times.  He wants us to learn, and he will help us succeed even when... especially when... we can't figure out how on our own. We need his help, and he is there to give it to us.  He lived, died, and lives again in order to give it to us.

I like the end too... God with us.  That's what his name means, and that's what he offers us... his constant attention, love, and assistance.  anything a desperate, directionless, love-starved teenager needs... and we can all be described that way at one time or another. :)  God is there to turn us away from our  tendency to shoplift... to joyride... to experiment with -- whatever it is. :)  And he shows us how we can make a difference in the world... how we can help others like ourselves succeed, even in the most dysfunctional neighborhoods. :)  He offers us a future, a way to fulfil our dreams.  A way to become better than any role model we have ever known or seen.  He *is* hope... and love, and anything you could ever want in a Father.  We never have to be afraid, 'cause our Dad can beat up ANYONE. :)