Christ in the Holidays
If you hurry, you can get it all done. Order gifts online. Haul decorations from the attic. Set up the tree.
If you waste no time, you can get the oil changed, make up the guest bed, and clean the house. Plan the Birthday Party for Jesus.
If you’re quick, you can make it to the Christmas Office Party and sing carols at the assisted living home on the same night. Wrap the early gifts.
If you plan it right, you can pay the monthly bills, bake the pies, and drop off gifts. Shop for holiday groceries. Who needs to sleep?
If you stay on top of it, you can sprint through the final weekend. Pick up gift cards for people you forgot. Send Christmas cards. Prepare Christmas dinner. Wrap remaining gifts. Rush to relax on Christmas Eve.
Ahhh, “the holidays.” Holy days.
Advent Season is a reminder to us that God initiated the relationship with us. He came to us. He knew that if He didn’t come to us, we would have been too busy to notice Him. The plan of redemption took on humanity that Christmas morn.
“Behold the virgin shall be with child, and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
Immanuel
God with us.
Advent Season reminds us that God is with us because God is for us. Jesus stooped to our level. He died on the cross for our sin in our place. He rose again. He offers life to all who believe in Him.
In His final words to His disciples, He gave a commission with the assurance, “Behold, I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). Trusting Him each moment makes for a vibrant life.
Jesus leads and guides and supplies His resurrection power that we might obey His commands. Indeed, God is with us because He is for us.
We are easily distracted by life in this world. As we embark on a hectic, frantic month, may we find rest in the presence of our Lord. May we experience the fullness of His joy and bring His presence to the world around us. Not every day is a holiday but every day is a holy day with Jesus.
— Dave Schneider