A Christmas Reflection

It is so easy to forget (neglect) the reason we celebrate Christmas when we become over-consumed with parties, shopping for gifts, arranging travel and accommodation, family dinners, etc.

So we, especially those of us who are disciples of Jesus, need to ensure some time is given to focus ourselves and our families on the One whose birthday we acknowledge at this time of the year.

And although it is easy to start with the baby and the manger, let's not stop there. Let's discuss who the baby was and why he came.

Jesus' visit and ministry were planned by God even before the beginning of time.

God saved us and chose us to be his holy people. We did nothing to deserve this, but God planned it because he is so kind. Even before time began God planned for Christ Jesus to show kindness to us.
[2 Timothy 1 : 9  CEV]

His arrival was announced by the Old Testament prophets centuries before he appeared.

So the Lord himself will give you this sign: A virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and she will name him Immanuel [God Is With Us].
[Isaiah 7 : 14  GW]
The LORD said, "Sing for joy, people of Jerusalem! I am coming to live among you!"
[Zechariah 2 : 10  GNB]

His divinity was recognised.

The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father's only Son.
[John 1 : 14  GNB]
For the full content of divine nature lives in Christ, in his humanity,
[Colossians 2 : 9  GNB]

Jesus' purpose in coming to earth was acknowledged.

The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "There is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
[John 1 : 29  GNB]
This is a true saying, to be completely accepted and believed: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
[1 Timothy 1 : 15  GNB]

And Jesus himself said:

I came, not to judge the world, but to save it.
[John 12 : 47b  GNB]

Indeed Jesus, God in an earth-suit, is in the only One who can provide the salvation God has chosen to give us.

Salvation is to be found through him alone; in all the world there is no one else whom God has given who can save us."
[Acts 4 : 12  GNB]

Clearly, if the Creator of the universe would so confine himself to a human body in order to provide for our salvation and ultimately eternal life in his company, the least we can do is make sure he and his salvation work are acknowledged on the day we celebrate his earth birthday.

I wish you and your loved ones a holy and blessed Christmas as you celebrate and give thanks for our wonderful Saviour.
Barry