The fighting was fierce in the days before Christmas during the first World War. A German soldier emerged from his trench and tried to advance, but he was hit by gunfire and severely wounded. As he tried to crawl back to safety, he became caught in barbed wire. After his screams turned to moans, an American climbed out of his trench and inched his way to the injured man.

When the two opposing commanders saw what was happening, they ordered their troops to cease fire. In the eerie silence, the American comforted and freed the wounded German, then carried him to the waiting arms of his comrades. The guns remained silent until he returned to his trench.

This is an inspiring story, but I know one that is even more dramatic. Jesus, because of God's love, crossed into "enemy territory" to rescue us from spiritual death. Even though we deserved to die, He unselfishly accepted the humiliation, pain, and death of the cross to pay the price for our sin. The apostle Paul wrote, "When we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom. 5:6).

During this busy Christmas season, let's take time to remember in awe and wonder what Jesus did for us. He was born that we might be rescued from eternal death.  — David C. Egner