Have you already begun preparing for Christmas? Tomorrow is the first day of December. It’s a busy month, isn’t it? We can get caught up in all the gift lists, cookies, pies, decorations, and parties. Let’s take a deep breath and rejoice each day as we behold our Savior.
“One thing I have desired of the LORD,
That will I seek:
That I may dwell in the house of the LORD
All the days of my life,
To behold the beauty of the LORD,
And to inquire in His temple.” (Psalm 27:4 NKJV)
Tradition
When we think of Christmas, we think of Gabriel announcing to unmarried Mary that she will bear the Savior of the world. We think of the trek from Nazareth to Bethlehem and no place for Mary to give birth to Jesus. We think of the manger, the shepherds coming to see Jesus, and the gifts of the wise men.
Then, we turn our eyes to Christmas decorations, purchasing gifts and wrapping them, cooking, and festivities.
Do you still send Christmas cards?
Are your days and nights filled with parties galore? Is your social media bursting with smiling selfies? How many ugly sweaters do you have?
The Reason
What if we stopped in the midst of our busy preparations and reflected on why it was necessary for God to send His Son into the world?
Sin. Disobedience. Depravity. We are sinners, and God is holy. He requires His people to be holy.
“For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy.”
Leviticus 11:44a (ESV)
Moses describes God as “majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders” in Exodus 15:11.
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The Promise
Beginning in Genesis 3:15 and throughout the Bible, God shows the world that He will provide a Messiah who will defeat Satan and sin, One who will pay the price for all sin.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
The message of Christmas: God loved the world so much that He sent His Son to give eternal life with Him to all who receive Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
This December let’s spend time to behold our Savior and marvel at the love of God.
Father, thank You for loving the world so much that You sent Jesus to pay the price for our sins so that we could live with You forever. We praise You for Your amazing gift. We celebrate the greatest gift we could ever receive. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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