The wonder of Christmas is all around us–the twinkling lights, yummy foods, beautiful music, and family gatherings. We wonder how we will get everything done by Christmas day.
I like the sparkling decorations and memories from the ornaments on my Christmas tree. This year is different. Because we’ll be away from home, we didn’t put up the tree. Instead of Christmas in every room, my decorations are simpler—only wreaths on the doors and a lighted garland with some angels on the mantle. The rest of my Christmas things remain in tubs in the attic. I wanted to drag them down, but settled for fewer lights, fewer decorations this year. And I’m OK with that. I’m still drawn into the wonder of grace at Christmas.
The grace of God broke into the world at the first Christmas, changing lives forever.
The Nativity occurred to ordinary people in a culture characterized by fear and lack of joy.
Mary and Joseph held the awe of newborn Jesus, the fulfillment of the angel’s message to each of them, with love.
The shepherds, captivated by the brilliance of the angels’ message, pursued the Babe in the manger with joy.
The Magi, fascinated by the wonder of the star, journeyed to find Jesus with hope.
All were filled with wonder at what God had done and the promise of peace on earth.
God appeared as a baby who would become our Savior.
Today we can be wrapped up in the wonder of the first Christmas.
Looking into the Scriptures, we see God’s plan for our redemptive story.
- The wonder of Jesus leaving the glory of heaven to take on our flesh is described in Philippians 2:6-7.
(Christ Jesus) who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
- The perfect timing of events for the birth of Jesus and the unfolding of the plan for our redemption, in Galatians 4:4-5.
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.
The birth of Jesus brought new peace, hope, love, and joy to the broken, hurting world.
His birth was the dawn of redeeming grace.
We need the same gifts of Christmas in our lives today. Only Jesus can give them.
Open your heart to receive the gift of redemption at Christmas, of coming back into relationship with God.
Whether you’re having a simpler Christmas or a festive gathering, may you be wrapped up in the wonder of the Nativity that brings true comfort and joy.
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- The Grace Impact is available on Amazon.
