Genesis 3:6 

New International Version (NIV)

When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

For Meditation

In 2008, the world faced its worst economic disaster in decades. The financial market meltdown sent shockwaves through all sectors of the global economy, driving almost every country toward recession. Millions lost their homes, many banks closed, and unemployment rates skyrocketed. Economic pundits gave many reasons for the disaster, but at its core were the twin sisters of the Sin family, Covetousness and Greed. This narrative parallels our life struggles today.

Perhaps we see it when we desire more than we need, or when we make choices driven by the elusive hunger for wealth, status, or possessions. These moments reflect the script from Genesis, reminding us of the timeless nature of these challenges.

Satan brought covetousness and greed into the Garden of Eden for a dance with Eve and Adam around the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, to the sweet music of deception. Eve, in a dizzying frenzy, saw that the fruit of the tree looked so good, appealing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom (Gen. 3:6). She loved it when she ate it, so why not Adam?

God does not waste words (Gen. 2:16-17). He is faithful to whatever He says (Nu. 23:19). Instantly, the first couple realized their carnality. Their effort to cover their nakedness with a self-made fig leaf garment failed woefully (Gen. 3:7) The serpent had them, but it was too late. Sin had invaded their nature, so how could they face the holy God for fellowship(8)? They died as God said, and all of us died with them (Rom. 5:12, 14).

The above narrative has been the story of the world since the Eden episode. Covetousness and greed continue to dance with humanity in defeat today. Call it whatever you may, but you cannot change its core nature—sin. Wickedness has increased beyond measure in this godless world without shame. What compels a young man to kill his parents in their bedroom in California, USA? When politicians shamelessly steal everything, when children want every new gadget, and rule their homes, how do you call them anything apart from sin?

That is the essence of Christmas, the day God stepped into this world to die to save us from sin’s tyranny (Lk. 2:6-7; Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:9-10). It is the day the seed of the woman to bruise the serpent’s head was born (Gen. 3:15). Yet, humans have turned Christmas into a bonanza of covetousness and greed.

If only the world would see the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy in the virgin birth of the Christmas Child (Isa. 7:14). If only they would finally understand that the prophecy of Isaiah 9:2 got fulfilled the night Christ, the Child he spoke about in verse 6, was born in Bethlehem on Christmas Day (Lk. 2:7).

The Son God gave the world on Christmas Day is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

Why not worship Him?

Pray with Me

Lord, please open the eyes of the world to see the Christmas Child as your gift to this dying world to bring humans back to yourself. May the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, be exalted in every home as families feast at the Christmas table and your redemption story becomes the conversation they cherish. It is in the magnificent and gracious name of Jesus that I have prayed, amen.