The glory of the gospel is the exchange that took place through the cross, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Christmas is a time we exchange gifts but nothing can compare to the gifts that Father, Son, and Holy Ghost exchanged with us through Christ.

To say that Jesus was just a teacher completely misses the point.

Jesus did not say He came not teach a moral law, or even a new way of living.

In his fervent prayer to the Father He proclaimed,

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose I came to this hour.” (John 12:27 NKJV)

“For this purpose I came.”

To die.

Not as a martyr for a cause.

Not as an example to follow.

As a perfect, spotless, lamb in exchange for the darkened sinful soul of mankind.

In that body on a tree He became you, He became me. The exchange. He died, you died.

His life was the greatest gift, one that opened the way for every other gift to be bestowed.

“… who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24 NKJV)