Ever wonder what Jesus has to do with Christmas? We all know-His name is part of the holiday. Does Jesus imagery just add more to our general holiday cheer or could there be more?
Nobody denies the fact that people seem kinder, more jolly, and more giving this season. It’s good to help others this season! It’s good to repeat the motivational mantra “It’s the Season of Giving everybody!” I remember liking sparkly lights, new stuff, and my light veneer of spirituality. It seemed enough.
Then one day, I asked “Why do those angels hark? Why is the birth of Jesus a big deal?” With growing interest, I began to look closely at Nativity scenes. My heart asked, “Why is the manger in the middle?” Suddenly, I realized a perfect baby had been BORN for me. His All-Good could replace my Not-Good. Christmas math changed my life.
This Jesus baby came saying “I love her. I will leave perfect glory for her. I will endure poverty for her. I will exchange my life for her life. My Good is her gift.”
Do you see it too? Can you hear Him saying this to you? He is.
TAKE ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE MANGER.
May we lean in for a better look. The God-Man born in a feeding trough. How beautiful that the Bread of Life was born in a manger. Divine nourishment born for you and for me! This year, believe before you receive. His gift for you is smack dab in the middle.
Look at the Manger
Ever wonder what Jesus has to do with Christmas? I did. I knew we honored his birth and well, His name was part of the holiday. I asked myself the question many do. “Does Jesus just add more to my holiday cheer?”
Nobody denies the fact that people seem kinder, more jolly, and more giving this season. It’s good to help others this season! It’s good to repeat the motivational mantra “It’s the Season of Giving everybody!” I liked sparkly lights, new stuff, and my light veneer of spirituality. It was good.
Then one day, I asked “Why do angels hark er, sing? Why is the birth of Jesus a big deal? With growing interest, I began to look closely at Nativity scenes. My heart asked, “Why is the manger in the middle?” Suddenly, I realized a perfect baby had been BORN for me. His All-Good could replace my Not-Good. Christmas math changed my life.
This Jesus baby came saying “I love her. I will leave perfect glory for her. I will endure poverty for her. I will exchange my life for her life. My Good is her gift.”
Do you see it too? Can you hear Him saying this to you? He is.
TAKE ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE MANGER.
Our family is reading God Came Near by Max Lucado every night this month. We are leaning in for a better look. The God-Man born in a feeding trough. How beautiful that the Bread of Life was born in a manger. Divine nourishment born for you and for me.
This year, receive before you give. His gift for you is in the middle.
Ye Olde Christmas Exhaustion
It’s really true -our attitude toward stress shapes us more than the actual stress! Take ye olde “Christmas Exhaustion” for example. EVERY person I’ve talked to this month has been appropriately overwhelmed! This may seem weird but what would happen if we say, “Of course we are tired, so what? “ to our inner Grinch. What if we reframe our fatigue this way: “Yes, we’re freaked by what still needs to be done for Christmas. BUT since we love our families, we want to express it well.” Or “We’re grateful for our friends so we’ll go the distance to remind them of their importance to us.” Or “We are not turning away from the Salvation Army collectors this year. We will return their smile & give something. This helps people and it helps us!” Can we even imagine how that would change our holiday this year? It’s ok to be tired from Christmas prep-just ask God to remind you WHY you are tired. It’s for people & people matter to Him more than anything! #havesomecoffee #christmas#jesus #shopping #holiday #gifts #christmastime #gratitude #thankful#salvationarmy #lovewell #grinch
