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I’ve been reading through the birth narrative and the beautiful redemption story that unfolds in Matthew and Luke the past few weeks, and I just keep thinking about how messy the events leading up to the first Christmas really were.
Our Redeemer was born in a stable. With earthly parents on the run to ensure His safety. Who knows the exact layout of the stable that Christmas Eve. Or the conditions. We sure don’t. But I think it’s safe to say it was definitely not like the Four Seasons.
Jesus gives hope and redemption to a broken world.
As we draw closer to Christmas, as well as the end of another year, I have been reflecting on all the craziness that we call life. No one ever said life would be easy, or perfect. We place those expectations on ourselves. #letsblameitonpinterest
The reality is, as long as living includes being stuck on this Earth with fellow sinners, life will remain pretty messy. So why do we keep trying to strive for a perfection we’ll never obtain? I’m so thankful we can rely upon a perfect Redeemer – and bask in the good gifts of His mercy and grace each day.
Chances are, you’ve faced many joys, as well as trials and sorrows this year. Cling to the beauty and hope that can only be unwrapped in the gift of Jesus. Take time to rejoice in the events leading up to the first Christmas that unfold in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. The first Christmas gave us a gift wrapped in the package of a baby born in a manager who would bring light and hope to a dark, hurting world. The ultimate gift is found in the birth of a Savior that died a horrible, bloody, messy death to save you and me. It’s a gift we can unwrap daily by being in a deep, intimate relationship with King Jesus.
Unwrapping The Gift Of Joy Each Day
This Christmas season, cast your cares and your worries and all your crazy family relationship drama and sadness over to Jesus. Let Him heal you from that brokenness. And trust that God will take all the broken messes of this earthly life and weave them into something beautiful that will be used for His glory.
It’s so reassuring that God will not only use our mess for His glory, but He will use our troubles to draw us nearer to Him.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” Romans 8:28-29
Unwrapping The Gift Of A Daily Relationship
When the presents are unwrapped, the eggnog carton is empty and the extended family has flown your coop until the next holiday celebration, remember that the joy of Christmas doesn’t end.
The beauty of Christmas and the glory it unwraps in the gift of Jesus is something we can rejoice in all year long.
As we look forward to a New Year and all the unknowns that surround our upcoming days, my prayer for all of us is that we keep Jesus close to our hearts all year long. Be open to His correction. Take time to be in a daily relationship with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Praise Him. Worship Him. Serve Him. Love others.
Take time each day to invest in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Cut down on your daily activities. Find margin in your day. Spend more time with Jesus. It’s the best gift we will ever receive this side of heaven. And it’s a gift we can unwrap daily. Don’t miss out.
