There are many benefits for those who grasp the truths of Christmas, one being forgiveness. Acts 10:43 says, “All the prophets testify about [Jesus] that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

A little boy wrote Santa Claus saying, “Dear Santa, there are three boys who live in our home.  Jeffery is two and he is good some of the time.  David is four and he is good some of the time.  Norman is seven and he is good all the time, I am Norman.” (Rick Warren, Christmas Message)

The Bible tells one truth that must be grasped there are no Normans in this world.  If we could tap into the brains of Christians and recall all they thought and did this last year and project it upon our big screen there would be some extremely embarrassed Christians.  There are no Normans in this world.   Thus, even today we are in great need of God’s forgiveness and mercy, both available in Jesus’ Name.

A Christmas card sent to Pastor Rick Warren said, “If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator.  If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist.  If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent an entertainer.  But our greatest need was forgiveness so He sent a Savior.”    The greatest need for all of mankind is forgiveness and the greatest need for Christians is the continued forgiveness that can be found in Jesus’ Name.

“Forgiveness” (apheseoes) in Acts 10:43 means to release one’s sins from the sinner.  This required Jesus’ coming as man so the sins of the world could be cast upon Him.  Thus He can take the punishment of sin upon Himself.  He did this because His Father sent Him, and He came voluntarily.  The reason this forgiveness needs to be a continual forgiveness is because the children of God are not delivered from the presence of sin when they get saved.  Thus, Christians will slip into sin.  However, sin will not have dominion over them because the Holy Spirit will convict them of sin and draw them to repentance.  In Jesus’ Name they will be forgiven.  Let Christ’s forgiveness benefit you!