Jesus = Friend of God!

For Thursday, December 11, 2025:

Romans 5:11 NLT: “Now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”

Christmas is coming! Soon! The time between Christmases seems to grow shorter with each passing year. Jesus’ coming to earth represents a turning point in mankind’s relationship with Father God, so it’s certainly appropriate and worthwhile to celebrate each birthday anniversary.

You may have heard that the date is wrong. Probably. Scholars claim Jesus’ birth was between 6 & 4 BCE, most likely in the springtime if shepherds are staying overnight tending their flocks. I don’t think the exact date matters as much as the fact that we would select an annual date to honor God and celebrate the Heaven-sent Savior’s birth. December 25^th is close to the winter solstice, when there is little to do in an agricultural economy. Great time to celebrate God’s goodness!

Let’s begin by confirming that God and sin cannot coexist. Therefore, if we want to spend eternity in the presence of the Lord, we need to separate ourselves from any manner of sin. Jesus comes to earth with a plan to make it easy for us. When Jesus leaves this world, he will take the sins of the world to the place of the dead. If we believers put our faith, hope and trust in Jesus, our sins stay there, leaving us suitable for residence in God’s forever kingdom, Heaven. Jesus being a Savior for mankind is an undeserved gift from a loving God. Jesus has separated us from sin, making us friends for life with the Almighty!

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! (both then and again...)

Pastor Norton Lawellin

Jesus In the City Fellowship

The Father’s House

Truth and Freedom Church