Jesus Was Still Born
As I was walking home from a women’s prayer group held in The Upper Room this morning, I couldn’t stop thinking about four words that we spoke about as we closed our time together. Four words that brought me so much comfort and encouragement as I am preparing my heart for Christmas in just seven days. Four words that I KNOW are TRUE, no matter what else is going on in this world. Four words that I am hoping will bring you peace and help guide you and your perspective this Christmas season. And, those words are “JESUS WAS STILL BORN.”
I think most would agree, that although they say Christmas is “the most wonderful time of the year”, it doesn’t always FEEL that way. For many reasons. Some of those reasons that come to my mind are commercialism, cold weather, sickness and grief.
As much as I love giving and receiving gifts for Christmas, sometimes in the world we live in, that joy is lost because of what feels like constant pressure to buy more, give more, get the best deal, give the best gift. There are so many lies that I have believed throughout the years, thinking “if only this, then….” my Christmas will FEEL more peaceful, more joyful. “Get your Christmas shopping done early, then you’ll be able to focus on what’s most important.” “Did you see all those people on Facebook who’s gifts are so beautifully wrapped and sitting under their Christmas tree? If only you had it all together like them, then…” Do it faster. Do it better. Be better this year. As much as I don’t like to admit it, there have been many Christmas seasons that have literally felt like a race against the clock. A competition that I never signed up for, yet every year I find myself in it. For what? To pat myself on the back? To gain the love and appreciation of someone? That is not what gift giving on Christmas, or at anytime, is supposed to be about. And what feels worse, is that I KNOW that isn’t what Christmas is supposed to be about.
Next, let’s talk about the cold weather here in Minnesota. The snow IS beautiful. No doubt about that! And a white Christmas truly does feel magical. But, last time I checked it doesn’t have to be below 32 degrees Farenheit for the snow to be present.
And, then comes the sickness. Doesn’t it seem like the holiday season always tends to be a perfect breeding ground for sickness and disease? I can look back and remember many Christmases where my kids, myself or our entire family are under the weather. Not to mention, it feels like people often receive news of more serious health conditions or lose loved ones around the holidays too.
Which leads to grief. Christmas seems to be one of the hardest times of the year to be without someone or something we’ve loved in our lives. It’s often a reminder of “what was” or “what we want life to be.” And, that is HARD.
So, where am I going with this? Why am I pointing out so many negatives and lamenting about all of the not so good feelings I’ve had about Christmas? Well, for a couple of reasons. One, I’m being REAL with all of you, which is definitely something we aren’t always good at doing with one another. It’s so important to be vulnerable with people around you. We are all imperfect human beings needing other imperfect human beings to share their struggles. It’s how we relate. It’s how we grow. It’s how we gain strength. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Two, I want to call out lies and expose the enemy! John 10:10 says, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” All of the negative thoughts, the “what ifs”, the “only ifs'“, the comparison games we play, and the self-pity we get stuck in…they are ALL schemes of the devil; our only true enemy in this world. Point blank, he DOES NOT want us to remember or recognize the true WHY behind Christmas. Which leads me to my last point.
I believe that acknowledging all of these negative emotions, memories and thoughts around Christmas actually HIGHLIGHTS the true WHY behind Christmas. God sent Jesus to save the world, but he can’t do it if we don’t think we need saving! In John 16:33 Jesus says “I have told you these things, so that in ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Are you guys getting it? There is no doubt, that this world we live in IS NOT easy. But, Jesus warned us AND gave us the source to overcome the hard. HIM! JESUS.
Over 2,000 years ago MY Heavenly Father, YOUR Heavenly Father, and THE CREATOR OF THIS WORLD sent us a savior in the form of a baby to show us just how much he loves us. He modeled to us what Christmas is all about and highlighted the greatest gift of all, and that is LIFE. For anyone who has been a witness to a baby being brought into this world, or even holding a baby in your arms, you know that it is hard to deny what a miracle life really is. I had the privilege of doing that just this week, with my goddaughter, whom I am holding in the picture attached to this blog. Along with my twin nieces last week! It is such a beautiful reminder, holding a baby, of how good it feels to slow down, to pause and ponder what a miracle life is and what is really most important. And, what is a greater miracle, is that WE ARE PROMISED LIFE FOREVER. Because of baby Jesus.
And that, is where I want to end. With those four words that I started with. JESUS WAS STILL BORN.
I have many people in my life that I am praying for or walking alongside that are going through hard things. Aging parents, chronic illness, new diagnoses, divorce, children suffering, death of loved ones, and the list goes on. And, I know those of you reading this are too. And, as I think about those things, along with the hustle and bustle of Christmas and the stress that it can bring, I am going to choose those four words. And, I invite you to do the same, whatever your fill-in-the-blank may be.
Even though ________________, JESUS WAS STILL BORN.
THAT does not change. THAT will not be taken from you. THAT will bring you true joy and true peace.
So, let’s admit we need a savior and open our hearts to RECEIVE that baby Jesus this Christmas. The gift that keeps on giving!
“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” -Isaiah 9:6
