Like most other people on the planet, Christmas is my favourite time of the year.
However, it can be easy to lose ourselves in the festivities if we’re not intentional to earnestly consider the true heart behind the season.
As such, we’ve put together a hearty handful of verses that, meditated upon, will help us truly appreciate Christmas and make it infinitely more meaningful.
Our God is truly a giver of good gifts, and His greatest gift is none other than His Son, Jesus.
One of the most famous Bible verses of all time tells us that out of love for the whole world, God gave His only Son to us so that we would not perish.
Humanity did nothing to warrant or deserve Jesus Christ. He was born to us, given to the world, out of God’s love for you and I. Our only part in this equation of love is to accept this gift.
We live in world where imperfect governance and war are all too apparent. We can look to Jesus for hope of a new kingdom where peace, justice and righteousness may be found forever.
- Wonderful Counsellor
- Mighty God
- Everlasting Father
- Prince of Peace
Praise God that Jesus is all these to us. Think of your needs, and the needs of those around you — how can you call upon these names of God for hope and help today?
Immanuel means “God with us”. Most of the time, our first thoughts about Christmas would be about presents — but it should actually be about presence.
Because Jesus became flesh and came down to earth, the very presence of God walked among us, served us, loved us and eventually died for us.
God made the first move; we could not approach. It was He who came to be with us.
The Creator of the universe did not say no to being born as a baby in a manger, living a humble life of love, service, suffering and ultimate sacrifice.
God did everything so that we could be reconciled to Him forever.
Amidst all the feasting, festivities and fa-la-la-la-la, it is crucial not to forget those among us who are in need.
Who are the hungry, thirsty, lonely, sick and needy among us? We need to think of practical ways we can share the love of Jesus with them.
Your church will have opportunities this season (and all year round) to serve and bring the love of Christ to your community. Would you say yes?
In Jesus we receive the kindness and love of God. In Jesus we rest from striving and are humbled, for there is nothing we can do to earn our salvation. We are saved solely by God’s mercy.
We are saved by Jesus, we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and we will someday be glorified to be with Father God. Give thanks for the mercy of Jesus!
In Jesus we receive the kindness and love of God.
Now, take stock of your life: how have you been made a new creation? And what other areas in your life can you think of that the Holy Spirit must move within?
Open these parts of your heart to the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will renew you in a powerful way.
The very beginning of the angel’s message here begins with a command: fear not.
We don’t have to fear because of this Good News we have received. The troubles, pains and anxieties of this life are real — but they are not greater than Jesus. In Jesus, we fear not.
Fear not! That is also why we certainly don’t have to be afraid about bringing this Good News to others.
This Christmas, who is someone you can share the love and message of Christ with? How can you do it?
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you carry this message of Jesus winsomely to all around you in ways that are meaningful, practical and a blessing.
As we enjoy this wonderful season, may our lives resonate with the voices of the heavenly host in Luke 2:14 to say: “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”
