Read 1 John 3:7-10.

There is a weighty, pivotal victory that we must not neglect as we celebrate the Advent of Christ this season. Sadly, our society tells us there is little difference between the stories about Santa and the story of our Savior. The world says both are impossible—both are the stuff of make-believe. Such approaches to Biblical Truth have become all too common as our culture casts off its Biblical moorings. Our progressive, permissive culture encourages people to believe that what was once considered heresy is now a fad to be followed, that what the Bible calls sinful is simply a harmless lifestyle. Sadly, this deception is taking place even in many churches across the world. It is nothing less than the work of the devil. Thankfully, the Bible tells us, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8).

But Jesus came to make a wreck out of Satan’s power. The word destroy means “to dissolve or loosen completely.” In other words, when Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross in our place, and resurrected eternally to usher in the Kingdom of God, He smashed Satan’s grip to smithereens. He destroyed hatred with His love. He destroyed lawlessness with His righteousness. He destroyed the power of death with His resurrection.

You may wonder, If Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil, then why does Satan continue to operate freely? As long as people are willing to entertain and obey the lies of Satan, he will have a hold over them. But Satan has no claim on a believer unless that believer hands him the keys to their life. But as we follow Jesus by the power of His Spirit, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under [our] feet” (Romans 16:20). 

This Christmas, remember the victory of Christ’s coming. He has disarmed the devil, removed the fangs from the old serpent, and knocked out the teeth from the roaring lion. He has destroyed all the devil’s works: envy, lust, fear, anxiety, hatred, pride, and more. When Christ came, He secured for you a victorious life today and called you to anticipate His second coming, that wondrous day when He will return to cast Satan into the bottomless pit for eternity (see Revelation 20:1-10) and usher in the new heaven and new earth. What a reason to celebrate!

Prayer: Jesus, help me to remember and take hold of Your victory on my behalf as I walk through the trials and temptations of this life. I will look to Your return with joy and hope today because Your promises are sure and You love is beyond comprehension. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work” (1 John 3:8).

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