Why Christmas Means Redemption
My family and I spent the weekend together partaking in some of our usual holiday traditions. We went to dinner, visited Santa at the mall and went to see the drive-thru light show in our area. As a mom, I always look forward to doing these kinds of things with our girls because they just get so excited. The togetherness and time spent laughing and enjoying one another brings so much joy to my heart. The joy I feel in our holiday celebrations is exactly what God intended when he sent his only son to the world in this joyful time of year.
As Christians, we have made "Joy to the World," a sacred song in our Christmas hymn arsenal, and rightly so. In Luke 2:9-10 (NIV) it says, "an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shown around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people." God sent his only son for many reasons, and the one we celebrate the most this time of year being joy.
But I couldn't help but think the other night, as we drove past a live nativity scene on the way to see the drive-thru lights, that there was another reason just as deep as joy. Those members of that corner church stood there with so much enthusiasm as the forty-degree rain blew them sideways, all because they were representing something greater than us. That beloved nativity scene, despite the poor weather conditions stood strong as it represented the arrival of our dear savior Jesus Christ. Those sweet people froze in the wicked, cold rain and risked catching a bug all for their love and obedience to God. Similarly, Mary and Joseph made the journey to Bethlehem and gave birth to the most perfect person to walk this earth in a lowly manger full of animals and dirt all for their love and obedience towards God.
If God sent his only son to bring joy to our hearts that we may have long after Christmas has passed, then I have no doubt in my mind that he planted the seed of his love on this earth as a sign of redemption. Yes, the celebration of the birth of Jesus marks the beginning of the joy that came from his existence, but his entire life was a story of redemption that cannot be duplicated by anyone else. The birth of Christ also marks the beginning of what is the biggest and most amazing story of redemption the world would ever see, and to this day, is continuing to see.
The Gift of Jesus
As I get older, I have found my Christmas list getting smaller and smaller. When I was a little girl, I can remember my mile long lists consisting of the newest fasion, American Girl Dolls with all of the accessories, video games and Little Pet Shop toys. This year, I actually had to force myself to sit down and browse the Black Friday ads online to give my husband a decent idea of what he could get me for Christmas. I settled on a pair of tennis shoes I liked and was happy with my decision, but in reality, I could live with the pair I already had.
Over this year of really allowing Jesus to humble me, I've come to find that the things that money can buy me never satisfy me. I can buy a new outfit, and it'll flatter me for a couple of weeks, but after the newness wears off, I just crave my hoodie and leggings. I can spend a few hundred dollars on the newest collection at Kay Jewlers, but after a few months, the shine begins to dull. I would love a new car, but next year, when they come out with a newer one, I'll want the new one and my current ride wont please me any longer.
As modern-day Christians, we tend to chase the next best thing. We find ourselves wanting more, but after we get it, we're still not content. We have already long moved on before the newness has even worn off. This is because we are seeking satisfaction in things that are incapable of satisfying what we really need deep in our souls; Jesus.
It is through Jesus that we see the kindness, forgiveness, love, salvation, redemption and abundance we desire. It is the gift of Jesus that will always outshine the dullness of time. You will never need the newer model of him because he is it... the one and the only. He can provide for you the abundance in life that you are searching for but haven't been able to find. He will satisfy your every need.
"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV). Therefore, if God made him without sin, but we are sinners, then he is perfection! And not only that, but God sent him so that we, too, may become righteous ourselves. God gave us the gift of LIFE through his son Jesus Christ, but it can only be made possible if we take the gift of redemption with it. We must unwrap the gift of redemption, though it may be hard, and in exchange, hand him over our gift to him; our life.
It is through the gift of Jesus, that we will see the gift of redemption, and if we take that gift of redemption, we will also get the gift of life. These gifts are much more valuable than the latest iPhone or the newest car. These are gifts we can count on standing the test of time. These gifts will never lose their newness, their value, and their power in your life.
My Message to You this Christmas
I just want to thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy holiday season to read this. It is my goal to bring you only what I feel the Lord is laying on my heart. My wish is that you take this blog and use it as a starting point for your redemption journey. It is extremely crucial that we as Christians remember the real reason for the season. It truly is not about the gifts, the baked goods, the festive outfits or the many parties you'll attend. It is really about the birth of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Let us remember to slow down and humble our hearts to those around us and make this holiday less about us and more about him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I want to thank you so much for my readers. It is my prayer for them that you bless them abundantly this Christmas season. Whatever they may be in need of, please grant them that in accordance with your blessings. I pray that they may slow down during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and remember that you are Lord. God, you are so gracious and loving towards us that you sent your only son to this world to be our light. This world can be a dark place, but because of him, we have a lantern to guide our steps. I pray that his light will redeem those who are lost and bring them home to be followers in Christ. Thank you so much for sending us the best, most perfect gift this world has ever seen and thank you for the love you have poured out over all of us through his joyous birth and his innocent death. Father, we are unworthy of this gift, but we will accept it with open arms and excitement just as little children do Christmas morning. I pray for the health, safety and well-being of those out there reading this, and I pray that what they took from this blog may be valuable for their journey to you. We sure do love you!!
In your loving, gracious name,
Amen!
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