Rediscovering the Wonder of Christmas
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the familiar rhythms and traditions of Christmas. But sometimes, in the midst of all the hustle and bustle, we can lose sight of the true significance of this special time of year. That’s why it’s essential to take a step back, reflect on the meaning of Christmas, and let the wonder of it all capture our hearts once again.
A Story of Hope
The Advent story is one of hope, and it’s a narrative that chronicles the coming to earth of the One who is hope, Jesus. In a world damaged by sin, there is no other source of hope. Education, government, and laws can’t solve the problem. People can’t help themselves, and they surely can’t help one another. But Jesus’ humility is our hope. His willingness to leave glory unleashed glory on us and guaranteed that we would live with him in glory forever.
The Gift of Grace
Jesus is the grace of God, given to sinners who cannot free themselves from the death grip of sin. When we look into the manger at that baby boy, we see grace. The Christmas story reminds us that hopelessness is the only doorway to true and eternal hope. It’s only when we give up on ourselves that we seek and celebrate what God, in holy love, offers us in the person and work of his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Celebrating the Incarnation
Thirty-one daily readings from Paul David Tripp equip us to do the one thing that matters most each December – celebrating the glory of the incarnation of God’s Son. The Christmas story is not intended to teach us moral lessons but to provide us with the one thing we desperately need: moral rescue. It’s a story about a God of glorious grace on the march, invading human history with the grace of redemption.
Passing on the Blessing
Our celebration of what Jesus willingly did for us should be a festival of overflowing joy. We should celebrate the blessings we’ve received, the best of those being the gift of Jesus, by passing that blessing on to others with gifts of love. As we eat wonderful food, let it remind us of the lavish spiritual food that God feeds us with every day because of the willing sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.
God’s Sovereignty
God exercised his sovereignty over all things to set up the right time and right place for the sovereign Son to be born as a man, live perfectly, die acceptably, and rise victoriously. God sent his Son to us because he loves us. His Son now lives within us because God loves us. And we will live with him forever because God loves us.
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