It’s Christmas and there always seems to be something magical in the air. Most of us wake up early with anticipation of a great day. We are excited for the gifts that we will give and receive. We are excited for the people we will see and the time we will spend together. It is fun and wonderful to be excited for Christmas, but we need to pause for just a few minutes to reflect on the real reason we celebrate today.
Let’s remember that this is a special day first and foremost because of Jesus’ birth! “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, NLT) You would think that a baby of this much importance would come into the world with a parade or loud celebration but instead he entered our world on a quiet night in a manger meant for animals. Mary and Joseph must have felt scared and alone but they welcomed this baby into their lives and celebrated the miracle God had given. It wasn’t long before the good news spread.
We read how an angel of the Lord visited shepherds out in the field. “I bring you good news of great joy to all the people. The Savior — yes, the Messiah, the Lord — has been born today in Bethlehem. And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12, NLT)
Now over 2,000 years later we find ourselves in living rooms and dining rooms all across the world still celebrating that glorious day — the day God came to be with us and save us from the sin that separates us from our Heavenly Father. Today, we celebrate the newborn King! The King of Heaven and Earth, the King of kings and the Lord of lords! This amazing Savior named Jesus came for you and for me. He came to make a way to God.
1 Timothy 2:3-5 (CEV) says this, “This kind of prayer is good, and it pleases God our Savior. God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is, there is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human, and he gave himself to rescue all of us.” So as we celebrate Christmas this year, let us remember the greatest gift of all, Our Savior. Let us remember his humble beginning in the manger and, most importantly, His saving grace and the peace He brings to us all who welcome him in. We celebrate you Jesus, and thank you for coming into our lives.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of Your Son who saves us from our sin, and for the peace and grace You bring into our lives this day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Happy Birthday Jesus and Merry Christmas!
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
