Is Jesus still that baby born in a manger to you? Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? A baby born—born for what purpose? What if Mary, a single girl, would not have believed the angel, Gabriel? What if she would have destroyed the baby within her? What if she would have lived in fear? What would Joseph think? And her parents. Oh, and the neighbors and friends?
But she believed that “…nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37 NIV) Her answer to this news was “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (v. 38) Could any of us be that brave? That strong of faith?
Or is Christmas all about shopping and trees and lights? Of looking forward to all the gifts you will get? Of family and over-eating and movies on TV? Or, of sadness, because this is the first Christmas without that special loved one? Of loneliness for all those who have no family nearby and don’t want to “bother” their friends?
I think Christmas is about God’s plan of redemption being fulfilled, that is, the beginning of the earthly fulfillment. How do we know what His plan was? God chose to reveal this plan through visions, parables and so many other ways given through the prophets of old. Hebrews 1:1-2 says, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.”
God is faithful to keep His promises! Not only is Jesus heir to everything but He was a part of creation, He was there, he created everything! Jesus perfectly reflects God’s glory. As we continue reading in Hebrews, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” (v 3) Jesus is not just reflecting God’s glory, He IS God and radiates His own glory. Charles Stanley has said, “If you want to understand what God is like, look to Jesus.” (see John 1:1)
So like the Jewish Christians being addressed in Hebrews, we too can suffer persecution because we believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, God Himself and we proclaim it. For many of us, He is such a part of our lives we cannot help but talk about Him because He is the most important person in our lives. Many have surrendered their lives to Jesus and have chosen a different path than the one we were on. Jesus forgives us. Jesus loves us. Jesus is patient. When we question what God is like, read the Word and look to Jesus. He’s waiting for you with open arms. Is today the day of salvation?
Dear Jesus, I need You in my life! I’ve sinned and ask You to forgive my sins. I surrender my life to You and want to start a new life in You. Than You, Jesus!
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