‘For to 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, Prince of Peace.’- Isaiah 9:6
Christmas is fast approaching, bringing with it many differing thoughts, perceptions, and attitudes. The idea of giving and receiving gifts, glad tidings of comfort and joy, and good will towards all, are just a few.
Some reflect on the past year, all that they have and what the next year will have in store for them. Some think about those less fortunate and all the struggles that they are going through. Some may think about the family and friends they will see during the holiday. Some may have very little to look forward to. And some look at the hope and promise recorded in the Bible and the fulfillment of that promise in the scriptures about the birth of Jesus.
The story of the birth of Jesus has been shared for two millennia and still offers hope, comfort, and encouragement for people around the world. This has often been said to be the greatest story ever told. Yet to some, it is just another story.
A nation chosen to be God’s very own were waiting for the hope and promise they were told of. The promise of a Savior that would lead them out of captivity and bondage. A Savior that would establish His people, fulfilling the prophesies of old. But, for many, when this all happened, they didn’t believe or pay attention or even understand that the King of Glory had arrived! Jesus was here! The Savior is here!
Personally, as I consider the message of hope that Christmas brings, I also consider the greater story, God’s Son, come to earth to save us from our sins. The promise of eternal life and the hope of future.
The chorus from a song: ‘the beginning of the story is wonderful and great, but it’s the ending that can save you and that’s why we celebrate’.
Personally, as I reflect on the Christmas story, I consider my own salvation, what I need to be saved from and what is in store in the future. What would life be without the hope and promise of a loving God, a God who rescues me from sin, a God who loves me so much that He suffered a cruel death on the cross, ‘how every drop of blood was shed by Him when it should have been me’ (from the song mentioned).
The song ‘It’s About the Cross’ by the Ball Brothers about sums up the Christmas story for me. The hope of a Savior, born as a baby, was crucified, died, and was buried, then rose again!
Romans 10: 9 - If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
I encourage you, as you celebrate Christmas, to consider this great story and its intent and purpose for you.
For you and your family, I extend glad tidings of comfort and joy, filled with God’s grace and goodness.
Merry Christmas!
