In Matthew 1:21 Joseph is told, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit…and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Take a moment to dwell on that last part: “…for he will save his people from their sins.”

That is not a “feel good” message for an increasing number of liberal Christians who want a Christ made in their own image that doesn’t bring up their sin. They often strive to replace the truth of Jesus coming to save us from our sins with almost any alternative, such as:

He will help you connect with angels.

He will teach you to follow your heart.

He will make you feel better about yourself.

He will help you uncover the power of loving yourself.

These substitutes just won’t do for Christmas. The true Jesus, the One that died and rose again to conquer sin and death, and who promised to return to judge the world in righteousness, is the only authentic Jesus of Christmas. Why? Because the first Christmas marked the beginning of a divine rescue mission, not a self-improvement program.