In our celebration of the birth of Christ, we know the focus of Christmas should be the eternal gift given through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This season ought to irresistibly draw us nearer to God as we reflect on His wonderful gift of love. But perhaps there are times we need to be reminded of the true significance of this gift.
The birth of Jesus gives great insight into the character of God. For one, we see His methods are far different from our own; “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways” (Isaiah 55:8). How many of us would bring the King of Kings into the world through two common young people in a dirty stable? But God had a purpose!
These lowest of beginnings set the example for a life of humility. Jesus Christ is the Creator of the Universe! “For by Him all things were created” (Colossians 1:16). Yet, He humbled Himself to the point of being born with the animals, and continued by humbly walking all the way to the cross.
As we reflect on His humility, how can we then make prideful demands on life? How can we assume there is a standard to which we are entitled? Jesus set the standard for humility and we are now called to follow; “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
But perhaps the greatest insight we can learn from the birth of our Savior is simply that He came. Our sin must have been detestable and vile to One so holy, but He came to live with us…and love us! Without Jesus Christ, we have absolutely no hope; we can do nothing to save ourselves from the bondage of sin and an eternal separation from God. We can do nothing, yet God came to love us and set us free. He took the initiative in our Salvation by providing a way and calling us Home.
1 John 4:9
“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.”
God clearly saw our sinful condition; and yet, He loved us enough to send His Son so we might be restored to a right relationship with Him. He sent His Son so we might live! God made the first move 2000 years ago and He continues to make the first move in our lives today. He calls long before we even recognize His voice, and He continues to call us to surrender our life and live with Him in a deeper and more intimate relationship.
If you hear His call today, please respond! It’s a great privilege to hear His call, so be encouraged…but then respond! His call cost Him dearly, and it represents a love we will never fully understand. Let’s boldly answer and follow wherever He leads. And remember, He loved us enough to look past our sin and make the first move.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
This message is so profound to me because I can now remember how many times in my life I heard His Voice call me. I knew I was desperate to find my way out of many horrible life situations. I would visit church service and for a brief moment feel a sense of peace and I wanted to pursue that feeling in hopes to find real peace. I would hear the ministers say, “if you want to know your Lord Jesus Christ and be saved come up to the front and we will help you pray”. I know now that it was God calling me, telling me to come and He would give me peace. I would go up nervous, with an uncomfortable, quizy feeling. Almost like something was holding me back. But I would force and muster enough courage to go closer to that call. Only because I knew that when I left there I would have to go back to the real life I lead every day. I had to find a different way. Not so hard way to live.
Then I would get back to my (what appeared) to be a normal every day life. My parents did not prepare me to live life in a dark world. Just survive the best way I could find. I didn’t even realize that I was living in a dark world. It literally became unbearable.
Today it’s a complete reverse. I re-dedicated my life to Jesus Christ at 50 years old am now 62. I don’t (if I can help) live without him minute by minute. He is the director of my life. He is the my Father, He is all to me.
I still meet with challenges in my life, but now I face them with Him in front. And I wait to hear what His will is for me.