Imagine with me for a minute. What if Christmas had never come? What if God never sent the greatest gift? What if love hadn’t come down and bridged the gap? What if hope never happened, grace was never given, and eternity in heaven was never a reality?
What if no way had been given for our sins to be forgiven? What if no promise of a bright future was within our grasp? What would our world look like? What would your life look like?
What if Christmas came and went without a true stirring in our hearts…without any real meaning? What if there was no significance to our existence, no real joy to hold onto?
There are simply no words to describe what Christmas, or life would be like, if God had not reached down and showered His mercy and unconditional love upon us. It was His remarkable love for each of us that compelled Him to give His most precious gift…His only Son. He didn’t have to bestow a gift we could never repay. He could have left us in our sin. He could have left us grappling in the darkness, but He didn’t. Thankfully, He didn’t!
Luke 2:8-11: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
Luke 2:13-14: “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
A Savior has been born! Hallelujah! The greatest gift ever given was shared with all of humanity. An eternal gift of hope, love, joy, peace, and salvation.
Christmas is Christmas because of Christ. Christmas is Christmas because of God’s purity. A purity and love so deep that wouldn’t allow Him to abandon His creation. A love so true that couldn’t leave His beloved children orphaned without a Father…without Him.
Thank God Almighty for a love that didn’t say “No,” but “Yes!”
“Yes” to bringing hope. “Yes” to bringing salvation. “Yes” to bringing redemption. “Yes” to a chance… a true life. “Yes” to the promise of eternity in heaven to all who believe.
Because He said “Yes” we are free! Because He said “Yes” we are clean! Because He stepped out of heaven and came to earth, we are forgiven! We have everything we need or could ever need because He said “Yes.”
Praise God that He didn’t leave us in our fallen state! Praise God for His unimaginable goodness! Fall on your knees and thank Him today and every day for the gift of Christmas!
O Come, Let Us Adore Him! Let us live our lives in constant awe of what He’s done for us. Thank Him for what He’s done for YOU.
This Christmas many will focus on the presents, the joy of family gatherings and holiday activities. Many will sip hot cocoa by the fire and enjoy the flickering of colored lights. All that will fade. None of those things can compare to the gift wrapped in love that touched the earth over 2,000 years ago. In a humble stable hope was born. A Savior came for us. No other gift given can ever compare. No other gift given could ever fill the hole in a beating heart or make the heart whole. Only the gift of Jesus could do that, and continues to do that for all who believe and receive.
Let’s honor Him with our hearts. Let’s praise Him with our voices. Let’s acknowledge Him before our circles of influence. Let’s allow Him to shine through us so He’s visible in our actions. Let’s keep Christ in Christmas today and every day.
Merry CHRISTmas!