He Appeared
But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.
1 John 3:5 (NIV)
John anchors Christian memory on a fact: you know that He appeared to take away our sins. Appearing with a defined mission. Jesus never came to tour history; He came to carry guilt. Christmas memory without cross memory is an incomplete album. Every coming of His aims at some sin of ours.
And in Him is no sin: the spotless remover. Only a flawless lamb takes sins without transferring guilt. Ancient priests offered for themselves before offering for people; Christ offers Himself once for all. The bearer's purity guarantees the pardon's power. Memory that calms: your pardon was purchased by an Innocent.
Knowing He appeared changes the present: whoever was taken from sin no longer lives in it. John is blunt: whoever abides in Him stops practicing sin. Memory becomes conduct. Remembering the appearing while keeping the sin applauds the doctor and refuses the medicine. Gratitude that disobeys is vain nostalgia.
Today, exercise redemptive memory: list sins He already removed. Confess those that returned through the back door. Leave hiding and walk in light where darkness cannot stay. The Appeared One keeps appearing with pardon to whoever appears repentant.
And remember the appearing: removed sins are never reclaimed.