Is there more to Christmas
than pumpkin spiced lattés,
gift giving, tree decorating,
delicious food, dirty Santa, and
ugly sweater parties? Of course there is! I’m not talking about Christmas movies and Santa Clause.
These things are fun and don’t get me wrong I’m all for it (and LOVE it), but it’s important to reflect and be thankful for the most important gift. During this season it’s easy to overlook the best gift ever given in human history. So what was the best gift ever given? Well of course it was when woman was created. Okay I’m kidding (that would be second).
You all know the reason for the season already- Jesus being born. This is the greatest gift. We’ve heard the story so many times that it becomes no big deal to us. But let me ask you this: what would the world look like if Jesus would never have died for us and what your life look like?
Our lives would be hopeless. Our eternal fate would be hell. The hell you think you’ve experienced on earth is nothing in comparison to eternal hell after death. I’m not trying to scare you, I’m just trying to share the truth. We become numb to the significance of God’s sacrifice. He sent His only Son, Jesus, who was sinless perfection, to suffer and die the death of a criminal.
Jesus’ innocent blood was shed for our sins so we would no longer be eternally separated from our Creator. That’s how much He loved us. We now have the choice to accept Him and start enjoying life now. We can be adopted as a son or daughter to the One true King. No matter how good or bad we have lived our lives, He is always there with open arms.
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Galatians 4:4-5
I’m so thankful for the joy and hope that comes around each year to remind us! This is my absolute favorite time of year! My hope and prayer for you is that you would come to the full realization of the significance of Christmas. I don’t know that I fully have come to appreciate it myself but I’m working on it.
I challenge you to study more about Jesus’ unconditional love for us this season. And maybe even add in reading the real Christmas story to your family traditions if you don’t already. Luke 2 in the Bible is a good place to start for the story of Jesus’ birth. John 3:16 explains why He came.
Merry Christmas and may you all have a blessed week!
A Prayer For You
Lord thank You for reminding us of why this holiday season is so important. Thank You for sending Your Son to die in our place so that we may have hope and a future with You. Help us to boldly share Your love with others this week. In Jesus’ name, amen.