Today is the day after Christmas. Many will still be heading out to see family and celebrating Christmas. When you have families spread across miles of country it is difficult to make the rounds at Christmas time. For others, the day after Christmas is a time to unwind and put away all the gifts and holiday decorations. Some will go back to work, and it will be business as usual. Regardless of what today brings for you in activities, will you still be celebrating the true meaning of Christmas?
As we reflect on what Christmas is truly about, we must remember why Jesus came to earth. It wasn’t just to become a man and experience life the way humans do. He is fully capable of coming as a full-grown man and walking around to see how it feels. Yet, He came as a baby. Babies are helpless and innocent. They are dependent on someone else for all their needs. The God of creation became dependent on His creation. He would fully know by experience what it was like to grow up in this world and face temptations and trials. He would know how to sympathize with us, and we would know how to overcome evil because of His example. We should celebrate the victory over sin that is possible because of Jesus coming as a baby and growing to be a man. Christ coming to earth gives us the confidence to draw near to the throne of grace and find mercy and help when we are tempted or tried.
Hebrews 4:15-16 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”
Because He came to earth, we have His example of how to deal with painful situations that others don’t understand. While in the garden He prayed to the Father if it be His will to remove this bitter cup of having all our sins placed on Him. He was in such agony that His sweat was as great drops of blood. His disciples, His dearest friends, didn’t understand. They fell asleep while they were supposed to be praying. While he was facing separation from His Father, when our sins were placed on Him, He taught us how to face unbearable situations. He prayed earnestly and accepted whatever the Father’s will was for Him. We should celebrate the opportunity to pray and the knowledge that God will do what is best for us. We should celebrate Jesus’ example of submission to the Father.
Luke 22:42-44 “Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”
Because of Jesus coming to earth and dying for our sins, we can celebrate the truth that our debt has been paid. We don’t have to worry about spending eternity in Hell. His birth brought hope, and His death brought victory to all who will follow Him in obedience. No matter how difficult this life can be we know it will not last forever. We know that even in the hardest times He will be with us.
Colossians 2:13-14 “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.”
Are you celebrating today? Celebrate your position in Him. Celebrate His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection. Celebrate His position as your advocate with the Father. Celebrate His preparation of your eternal home. Celebrate your opportunity to be a joint heir with Jesus! I could go on and on because there is no end to what we have because of Jesus. so don’t stop because the holiday is over, celebrate today and every day!
