Christmas was always my favorite holiday growing up. My entire family would get together and the house would be filled with food, laughter, and gifts. The best part was always getting to stay up until midnight to open gifts while being together. This time of year always brings back good memories but I have to admit that while I was growing up I didn’t actually understand the true meaning of why we celebrated Christmas. I knew, of course, that it was the time of year that Jesus was born but other than that I didn’t really know what the Christmas holiday was about.
Fast forward to college and I found God, gave my life to Him at 18, and was going to church again after not going for 10 years. This was the time when I finally understood what the pastor was talking about. In December of 2013, I heard the advent series at my church and came to the realization that I had never truly understood the meaning behind Christmas and what we were celebrating.
“And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” ~ Matthew 1:21
Christmas is about a Savior that came into the world, in the purest way possible, to offer US a chance at salvation and redemption. Yeah, he did that for you and for me! Crazy, I know, but crazy in the best way possible. It’s crazy to believe that He wanted us so much that He gave us His only son, lived as a man through Jesus Christ, saved us from sin and gave us eternity in Heaven with Him, and yet, that’s exactly what He did.
So, while we love the gifts, family time, and vacationing this season brings let’s take a moment and remember why we are even here and how we have been given this grace. It’s because of Him we get to experience life, relationship, grace, mercy, peace, love, and so much more and it’s because of Him that we celebrate Christmas.
So, with the pandemic still going on, I know this season can be stressful and filled with anxiety but I hope each of you is blessed with a safe and wonderful Christmas this year and, as encouragement during this time, I would like to leave you with these verses:
“Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.” ~ 2 John 1:3
“Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” ~ Hebrews 13: 20-21
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” ~ Philippians 4:8
Wishing you the Merriest Christmas & Happy New Year!
with love,
Diana