In public places, Christmas is generally seen as meaning that if we really work hard we can make the world a better place. That’s the meaning of Christmas. If we hold hands and breathe in unison, if we really get together, we can make the world a better place.

It’s like a song they sang in the Live Aid concert in 1985. Afterward, Bob Dylan, who was one of all those rock stars who were singing, said to the press he was very uncomfortable singing the song. Somebody said to Bob Dylan, “Why were you uncomfortable?” He said, “I’ll tell you why. Because man cannot save himself.”

So we look today unto Bob Dylan for the true meaning of Christmas, because he got it right. The Bible says Jesus Christ came because we cannot save ourselves. There’s a problem. He had to do something about it. God and sinners need to be reconciled. This little passage shows us our need for reconciliation with God, the way of reconciliation, and the results - the radical, thorough results of the reconciliation Christ affects.

This sermon was preached by Rev. Timothy Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on December 24, 1995. Series "Advent: God and Sinners Reconciled". Scripture: Colossians 1:19-23.

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