Merry Christmas! I realize that many are still digging out of the credit card bills from this past December, while others really do need to finally take down the outdoor Christmas lights. Yes, I’m talking to you! While Christmas is a holiday with a defined season on the calendar, its sincerest purpose is certainly worth celebrating all year.
Truthfully, Christmas is not simply about presents, angels, bows, and carols. In its purest form, Christmas celebrates the incarnation of Jesus. God taking on flesh and coming to earth so that humanity can be reconciled to right relationship. This mission of love led to bloodshed, mockery, and literally split time in half.
The human nature of Jesus is unique. He came to seek and save the lost, and that includes each one of us. His experience on earth models a life of submission to the Father that we should follow. His resurrected body continues today as our High Priest and mediator to God. His human blood that was spilled atoned for our sin.
He came to die so that we can live. You may not want to pull your ugly Christmas sweater, but singing “O come let us adore Him” may be very appropriate. Most importantly, our acknowledgment of His humanity should lead us to study more and to worship Him with a life that tells His story while we love our neighbor.
If you’d like to dive deeper, consider the following resources: