Psalm 48:14, "This God is our God forever and ever. He will guide us from now on."
Let's begin with a story that brings a wonderful message to the nativity story. Three trees have big dreams. One wants to become a treasure box. Another, desires to be made into a sailing ship. The third dreams of remaining planted, growing tall enough to reach heaven. But just like our lives, their dreams aren't always what God has planned for them.
The first tree doesn't become a treasure box, per se, but ends up holding the greatest treasure of all when it becomes a manger which cradles the newborn Savior- Luke 2:7, 12. Instead of a mighty ship, the second becomes a meager fishing boat that totes Jesus as He calms the waters- Matthew 8:23-27. The third becomes the cross that bore Jesus at His death- Mark 15:37.
This simple story can remind us that our dreams are in good Hands. He “is able to do measurably more than all we ask or imagine”- Ephesians 3:20. -story retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, crosswalk.com
There is a lot of commercialism that surrounds us at Christmas. From Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, to Rudolph. We put up and decorate trees and put lights around and outside our homes. There's candy canes, fruit cake, and rice pudding. Although this part of Christmas is fun, it is not just about silly songs, parties, and gifts.
At Christmas we take this time to also celebrate a story that began so long ago in the town of Bethlehem. Christmas also means we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God's only son came to earth to live and experience life as a human. Jesus came to live among us to understand our struggles and bring us salvation.
Jesus, Emmanuel, meaning God with us. Along with Jesus came a message of good news- we are never alone. It doesn't matter how hard or hopeless our situation seems- we are never alone.
This is the message we can take with us through Christmas and the rest of the year. “Do not be afraid I bring you good news that will cause joy to all the people”- Luke 2:10.
This story is a message to bring joy. Have joy- Jesus comforts and encourages. Have hope- we are never alone; God is always with us. This is a message of inclusivity because it's all about us.
Have fun celebrating this season with traditions, gifts, and the commercial side of things. But remember to take a moment throughout the season to celebrate the good news of Jesus too. Use this time to pause, reflect and thank Jesus for His love, hope, and the joy He brought us and still offers us daily. Thank Jesus that He is your Savior and friend, and you are never alone.
Your Christmas may look different this year than previous ones. Your Christmas may not match the commercial images you've pictured in your mind. You may be missing loved ones for the first time this year, struggling more than you have in the past, or you're on your own for the first time.
Christmas is not about the number of gifts under your tree or what type of food is on your table. It's not about the house you live in or don't live in. Christmas hasn't changed since the nativity when we put Jesus in the middle of Christmas. Christmas is not just a commercial holiday, it is a message, a message of love. God's love for everyone. You are not alone, you are loved. You can feel hopeful and joyful because of Jesus’ birth so long ago.
Christmas is a time to reflect on the story of Jesus. It's a time to celebrate with friends and family and to share Jesus with others. When we take the time to not just listen to the story told in church but study it from the Bible we can learn so much more about Jesus and find a new joy at Christmas. We're going to do a Christmas Bible study for the next few weeks and hopefully learn new things about Jesus and Christmas. Let's begin the Joy of Christmas with lesson 1 and 2.
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