What does Christmas mean to you? Presents? Lights? Bing Crosby singing White Christmas on repeat?
To be honest, I am guilty of all those at times. I get caught up in the flashing lights, silly Christmas songs, and classic traditions. Each of those are great and fun things but they’re not Christmas.
My challenge to you as we are nearly a week from Christmas day is to come back to the reality of Christmas. What is the Christmas story? Who is it about? Why do we give presents? Why is it so important?
To get back to the center of this holiday you will need to get back to the Word of God. Read the Gospels. The Christmas story is only significant if you finish the story. Now is the time to refocus on what we are living for. Understand why we are here and who we owe our lives to.
“…She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21
New International Version
We celebrate this Christmas not because we want to get something nice from someone. We don’t celebrate so we can put the classic records on the player. We don’t even celebrate for family. We celebrate because we are remembering the beginning of Jesus’ rescue mission. His mission was to rescue everyone from sin and death.
Do you have a relationship with Jesus? If not, there is no better time than the present to start one. His rescue mission wasn’t for a select few. He did it so that anyone willing to turn from sin and live in the hope He provides can have grace and salvation.
Whether you already have a relationship with God or you are receiving Christ for the first time, pray this prayer with me:
God, I’m sorry for rejecting You so many times in my life. Refocus my heart so that I can live for You in all situations. Teach me how You have called me to live. Show me the plans You have for me. Guide my heart so that I can resist temptations. Help me to stay in the scripture and prayer so that I can draw closer to You. Help me to make friends who will strengthen my walk with You. Most of all, be my lover. I give all my heart to You. Amen
If you prayed that prayer, congratulations on coming into a relationship with Jesus! All of heaven is rejoicing. May this Christmas be filled with lots of joy and hope as you celebrate salvation.