As Christmas Day approaches, and we prepare to celebrate the birthday of Jesus Christ, we have every reason to rejoice in the fact that we are loved. We should never be unsure of this. Something happened, over 2,000 years ago, that showed mankind just how much God loved it. This Jesus, who has always existed, came to earth as a man, as a baby in fact, and lived among the sin and brokenness of the world. He not only endured it for our sake, He overcame it, remaining perfect and holy and dying the death that would restore His children to Himself forever. There has never been a more outrageous act in the history of the human race. There has never existed someone who loved another like God loves His children.
Although I personally believe that our lives are complete when we are worshiping, loving and following this God on a daily basis, this time of year is specifically set for us to meditate on and celebrate the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ. And though we have heard this story time and time again, how Mary conceived as a virgin and gave birth to Jesus in a manger, it is the most remarkable story we will ever hear. The beautiful humility of God is expressed in the most outrageous way. And I can only imagine what He was like as a baby. Did He seem and act like an ordinary baby? Or was He different, full of joy and light, His smile illuminating an entire room, and proving to be anointed from day one? Jesus was surely the most influential and powerful baby of His time. Magi traveled long distances to see and worship Him, and a King ordered all the boys under two years old in Bethlehem to be murdered in fear of Him. This person was and always will be the most important person who ever lived. And His sole reason for walking this earth, for being born to a virgin in a manger, was out of love and desire for His people.... for you.
There is an abnormal challenge this time of year to keep our focus stayed on this perfect baby who loved and loves the people of this world more than anything in the universe. There is an added pressure of buying the perfect gifts for others, of making our homes look festive and beautiful, and preparing meals that will be better than the year before. Somehow the Reason we celebrate gets lost. Jesus falls to the wayside when He should be the center of the party. The most joyous and fulfilling gatherings I've ever been part are when Jesus was the center anyways. Let's challenge ourselves to be mindful of the perfect baby who was born solely because He loves us and wants to be near to us. Let's challenge ourselves to let Jesus know how thankful we are for Him and how we believe that the best parties are when He's present and glorified. Let's remember that without Him, we would not be able to enjoy any of these holiday festivities anyways, for "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows" (James 1:17).
Merry Christmas! And enjoy the company of Jesus this Holiday Season!
For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Princes of Peace. - Isaiah 9:6
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