Thomas Watson: Christ our Screen

"Let us labour to prevent the wrath we have deserved. How careful are men to prevent poverty or disgrace! O labour to prevent God's eternal wrath, that it may not only be deferred, but removed. What shall we do to prevent and escape the wrath to come?

"By getting an interest in Jesus Christ. Christ is the only screen to stand betwixt us and the wrath of God; he felt God's wrath that they who believe in him should never feel it: 'Jesus which delivered us from the wrath to come.' 1 Thess 1: 10. Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace was a type of God's wrath, and that furnace did not singe the garments of the three children, nor had the smell of fire passed upon them.' Dan 3: 27. Jesus Christ went into the furnace of his Father's wrath; and the smell of the fire of hell shall never pass upon those that believe in him."

Thomas Watson (d 1686), A Body of Practical Divinity, 1692. Image: Eugenio.Graziano

If you're looking for the real meaning of Christmas: this is it.