“Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others – the armies of heaven – praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.’” (Luke 2:13-14 NLT)
Is God pleased with you this Christmas? Are you at peace? Or are you scurrying around like a chicken without a head? Peace can be a very alluding entity when our mind is so focused on everything but Jesus. Isn’t it ironic how little time we focus on the Lord on the day we celebrate His birth? Have you ever wondered why that is?
Could it be the gift on which we’re most focused isn’t Jesus, but something we want for ourselves or to get for someone else. And there’s nothing inherently wrong with that. In this season of my life, I have little to no expectation of receiving anything other than a card. I’ve told my kids not to waste their money buying me anything, I’d rather they spend it on coming to see me or getting themselves something they’d enjoy.
But I certainly remember the times, especially when the kids were small and money was scarce when Christmas was a little scary. Gratefully, they had Grandparents who loved them and lavished them with gifts, but we had little to give in those days in the way of material blessing. But the Lord always provided, as He will for you this Christmas.
Money and gifts aren’t the issue. The Wise Men from the East didn’t show up at the Manger with their gifts, as some pictures depict, until later (See Matthew 2:11). Mary and Joseph had nothing but each other and what few supplies they could muster from that smelly barn. Jesus’ birth wasn’t glamorous. It was in just about the worst conditions imaginable. We have to assume that Joseph helped Mary with the delivery, managed to get the umbilical cord cut and tied and rounded up some scraps of cloth to wrap Him in.
Yet, in spite of all of that they were rejoicing and celebrating this new life that had been promised them – the same life that was promised us! HE’s the reason for the season! HE’s the reason for celebration! We don’t need anything else – no money, gifts, family, friends, comforts of any kind to enjoy the gift of the Christ child born for us in this holy season.
If you miss this opportunity to rejoice in HIM, not in your circumstances, you’ve blown an opportunity to prove He exists, that He’s God, that His birth changed the trajectory of human history. Think of the blind man begging by the side of the road who we read about in Luke 18:35-43. He had nothing, but after Jesus healed Him, though he still had nothing but his sight, notice what he did in verse 43: “Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God.”
Yes, of course, gaining our sight is certainly worthy of praise, but we have our sight, what’s holding us back? Please don’t let anything hold you back from rejoicing and celebrating the birth of our Savior who lives in our heart and guides our life. Hopefully, there’s not a day that passes that you don’t celebrate who Jesus is and what He’s done for you. He IS WORTHY!
Please, let’s stay focused on Him this Christmas as we celebrate His birth and life!
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 