have gained the victory for

The clip below has been making the rounds (sadly, I recognize probably 80% of the scenes):



There's a reason so many movies include big speeches in the climactic scene: it works on audiences. We like the buildup, the tension. We like being moved toward victory when all hope seems lost. We like digging down deep and digging in our heels and then pulling out triumphantly. We like knowing that all is not over, and there is a light at the end of the day.

Friend, if you like it in Hollywood, surely you'll relish it even more in reality. The Christmas story, the Gospel message, is that saving grace when all looks destined for defeat. The Bible says all have sinned and because of that we have earned death. But just when the devil was about to grasp you forever, as darkness built up and all was lost, God sent His only Son into a manger and destined Him to death on a cross on a hill. And three days later, in a tomb lit by the lights of heaven, Jesus Christ crushed Satan under His heel, snatched life from the grave and rose triumphant. And He did all of that, endured that cross, all for you.

There is an end scene that will move you to tears. And it will be on Judgment Day at the end of your life before a white throne. And those tears can be tears of sorrow and despair as you are shuffled off toward fire. Or it could be tears of great joy at having had your war won for you by the Son of God. That choice is for you to make, for you to decide whether or not to accept Jesus into your life right now. Don't let the credits roll without taking this chance at eternity.