When we sit down in a movie theater and watch a documentary about somebody’s life, then we walk out of that theater feeling more connected to the person portrayed in that movie. Our lives are a documentary if you will because God is watching us; but more than just passively watching us from a distance, God is intrinsically involved with mankind. Getting up from our seats in the movie theater to be injected into the action of the ongoing movie – this is one way to describe what happened 2000 years ago when the Son of God came to earth and became part of the human experience.

Jesus appeared – not just out of thin air; He was assembled in a mother’s womb, born to his doting parents Joseph and Mary, grew up transitioning from boyhood to adulthood, ran a business and for the later part of His life ran a ministry – all that to come alongside the human race and deal with our predicaments which is summarized in the word “sin”.

We all have a conscience, and whenever we do something that our conscience marks as wrong, we feel bad about ourselves. Sin always carries the sting of judgement. I don’t think anybody likes to feel this sting – nobody likes to be exposed and shamed. Nevertheless, we all want to be understood.

Jesus took the blame and shame and submitted Himself to judgment and execution – even though He hadn’t done anything wrong. This is God’s way of exoneration by placing the burden of our guilt on His Son. His Son was judged in our stead. Sin traps us. Jesus is the only One who can free us to live the quality life we were initially created for. To reap such benefits we must believe.

When Jesus makes His second appearance on earth it will be very different from the first time He came. His first visit to earth was completely dedicated to the issue of sin. Second time around, He comes to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Waiting for Jesus is a lifestyle of trust. The Lord guides us through steep canyons and valleys, and all through our challenges we learn how to love.

We cannot take anything with us when we die, except our love –  our love carries over to the next life. Love is also the only thing of value we leave behind. Love always leaves a legacy.