As we prepare for a new season of Christmas movies coming later this week, I thought today would be a good time to pause and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and why we celebrate. My heart’s desire is to always make the focus of the season on the One who came that first Christmas Day to save us from our sins... Jesus!
Sometimes the busyness of the season can pull us in all sorts of directions, but it’s important to take some quiet time and rejoice in the first precious gift given to us all.
Here are 3 points to encourage you in your walk with the Lord this Christmas season...
1. God sent His Son, Jesus, for You!
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” ~John 3:16
God, the Father, gave us Jesus so we could be saved. He seeks our hearts and calls us His children. God has such an amazing love for us...
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~Romans 5:8
Even before we took our first breath, God made a way possible for us to be forgiven of our sins and spend eternity with Him. What a precious gift from our Heavenly Father!
2. Jesus is the True Gift of Christmas!
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." ~Luke 2:7
The word wrapped always jumps out at me in this scripture. She (Mary, His mother) wrapped Him (baby Jesus) in swaddling clothes. Since Jesus is the first gift of Christmas, then that means Mary wrapped the very first gift!
Just like mothers wrap gifts each Christmas all around the world, how meaningful that the first gift was wrapped by Jesus’ loving mother.
Every year we all seek the perfect present for family and friends, but the most important, perfect, priceless gift of love was born over 2000 years ago in a manger, Jesus!
3. Receive your Gift... Receive Jesus!
Why did Jesus come? God sent His Son as a light to save us, in this dark world, from us our sins. Jesus was crucified on a cross and resurrected so we could be born again.
John 1:14 tells us "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
It’s God’s amazing grace towards us that forgives us of our sins. When we ask for forgiveness and invite Him into our hearts, He is gracious enough to forgive us.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~1 John 1:9
That is God's promise to us, His children. I pray you will receive the first incredible gift of Christmas today, Jesus, and walk with Him throughout this holy Christmas season.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us your Son that first Christmas. Forgive me, Lord, of my sins and guide me each day in my walk with you. Help me daily to seek you and live out the grace you’ve given me toward others. Wrap me in your love, joy, and peace this Christmas. Prepare my heart for receiving this amazing gift.
In Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen!
Whatever season you are in today in your life, know that God sees you, He loves you and cares deeply about you. James 4:8 reminds us that if you draw near to God, He’ll draw near to you.
May God be with you, bless you,
and keep you all this Christmas season and always, Net
