This time of year we often get distracted with last minute shopping, ugly Christmas sweater parties, seeing Christmas lights, and baking lots of great food. All of this is so much fun and I love these things! During this time it’s easy to lose sight of honoring what Christ did for us. Please join me in taking a moment to contemplate what Christmas is all about.
We all know Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s easy to say okay that’s awesome and move right along with your day. However, we are missing the essence of what it meant 2000-odd years ago. Without Christ, there is no hope for humanity. Without Christ, we are hopeless, empty, defeated individuals with a grim future.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:16-17
God sent His only Son who lived in the flesh like you and I do today. He experienced similar trials and temptations but did not sin. He brought hope, healing, and a future to those who sought Him. Jesus humbled himself by taking on the life of a human and dying for us. While He was on the cross after being brutally tortured, mocked, and publicly humiliated, He said, “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).
What kind of love is this that He would die for the very people killing Him? Try putting yourself in His shoes for a moment. If you lived a perfect, sinless life but were brutally tortured, mocked, and publicly humiliated, what would you be feeling? Jesus portrayed His unconditional love for us even at this moment.
He sacrificed His pure and perfect life so that we may find life through Him. He died for people like you and me who are far from perfect. He loves us no matter what we have done. I hear people time and time again say “I’ll get right with God when I clean up.” It’s so difficult for us to believe that God can forgive us at times. He accepts us as we are with all our baggage. Yes God can forgive and accept you as you are. We know this by what He did for us on the cross.
If we choose to accept His free gift of forgiveness and new life, we can find hope, peace, and joy in every circumstance. I encourage you to start or continue traditions that remind you and your loved ones what the heart of Christmas truly is. Please share with others the hope of new life in Christ. Let this be a time of exuberant celebration and worshipping Jesus, Savior of the world, who was born on Christmas Day.
A Prayer for You
Thank You Lord for Your precious gift that forever changed the course of history and the future of mankind. You are a good Father. Please forgive us and show us how to follow You and live a meaningful life every day. Help us show this same love You have shown us for others, even when we are mistreated. Praise You God! It is in Your Son Jesus’ name we pray, amen!
