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.
