"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given..."
Isaiah 9:6
That first Christmas may have been much like the holiday you are experiencing right now! Consider all the hustle and bustle of activity as the family prepares to travel a long distance by uncomfortable means. Consider the cramped accommodations put upon them unexpectedly upon their arrival. Consider the financial burden of new government taxes while bringing a child into the world. Consider the appearance of uninvited guests who are less than presentable. Consider the anger and jealousy among the leaders stimulated by the announcement of His birth. Sounds like it could be the plot of a modern holiday movie!
"And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn."
Luke 2:7
Drama was no stranger in the events of Jesus' birth, and I imagine you feel a lot of that same drama in your own holiday. But in the midst of all the distractions, remember the Jesus gives a peace that cannot be taken away and cannot be explained. You can only discover it by trying it, and you can try it by simply believing and confessing. That peace should be the highlight of our experiences during this season!
"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Romans 10:9
Following Jesus Christ is a lifelong journey! If you have begun that journey already, I pray that you will continue to give up to Christ moment by moment, day by day. If you have never begun that journey, I pray you will soon give up to Christ and allow Him to lead you moment by moment, day by day.
"But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!"
Galatians 5:22-23
We celebrate in many ways - decorating, giving, receiving, eating, singing - to name a few, but there is only one reason and that is to remember that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ because He loves us more that we can ever understand!
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."John 3:16
Merry Christmas to you! And may the light of Jesus Christ overflow in and around you! Happy birthday, Jesus!
