The baby that changed the world

It's so easy to get distracted from the true reason we celebrate this time of year: the world-shaking birth and life of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I encourage you to really set aside time this Christmas to rejoice in the miracle of His birth and life, and give thanks for God's grace and goodness to us.

(Image from listentogrammie.blogspot.com)

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this." - Isaiah 9:6-7

While too often we settle for desiring monetary and physical blessing, God instead chose to give up his beloved son -- giving use the ultimate gift. He sent him to earth to become one with mankind -- still God, yet able to experience fully the emotion and pain of man. 

While we work hard to "give up" sweets, or "sacrifice" meager, meaningless things in our lives, Jesus sacrificed His everything. He shed His blood for us, taking our sin upon His shoulders, so we might know the gift of eternal life, and reign forever with Him in heaven. 

Tell me, what is Christmas a part from Christ? The world works so hard to remove Him, erase Him, hide Him. Yet, without Christmas, all we are left with is a meaningless holiday. What are presents a part from his ultimate gift? Do you know why we even have the tradition of giving gifts? While the date we celebrate on is arbitrary, the symbolism of Christmas is so deep, and no matter how hard the world tries to push Him away, we can take confidence in knowing our King does indeed reign.

May He reign in your hearts this season and always. May you be a beacon on the hill for others. Knowing His kindness, may you also show kindness to others. Knowing His forgiveness, may you also show forgiveness to others. Knowing His deep love,  may you also show love to others. Knowing His great mercy, may you also show mercy toward others.

Being human is hard. We make mistakes -- boy, do we ever. But just remember the price paid (in love!) for your life, and rejoice in God's gift to live victoriously! 

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God." - John 3:16-21