At Christmastime we celebrate the birth of Jesus. God's Son was born to Mary and Joseph in a stable because there was no room for them at the inn. Mary swaddled Jesus and laid Him in the manger. Shepherds who were watching their flocks in the fields had angels appear to them to share the good news, and they went to see the baby and worship the Savior.
You are probably familiar with the story. Perhaps you've taken part in a children's play that acted out the scene or maybe you have a nativity set among your Christmas decorations. You may have even read the story from the Bible and imagined what that night was like--for Mary and Joseph, for the shepherds, for the Wise Men who traveled a long distance to see the child and bring their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
But what is it that we are really celebrating? A mere historic event? A baby? The Christmas spirit of giving, peace, and joy? Yes, that's all a part of it, and it's possible to celebrate Christmas every year without thinking too much about what the birth of Jesus really means for you; but the part that is most significant isn't just for a holiday or a season. It's about every day of your life. His birth means your rebirth--yesterday, today, and forever.
If you have trusted Jesus as your savior, invited Him into your heart, received His gift of salvation, or however you would describe your encounter of Jesus, you have already been reborn. Jesus talked about being "born again", "born of the Spirit", and existing in such a way that isn't just about being physically alive but also spiritually. God has made you aware of His existence, of His love, and of His ways. In addition to being a citizen of your town, state, and country, you are also a citizen of Heaven. You are a part of His Kingdom that exists here and now, and beyond this world and this life.
You might not think of it that way, but it's true. When Jesus came to be born as a baby, live an earthly life, and die a criminal's death on a cross, He had one thing in mind--the rebirth of the human race into His Kingdom; rescuing us from the kingdom of darkness into a kingdom of light.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
(1 Peter 2:9)
For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
(Colossians 1:13-14)
So if His birth means our rebirth into His glorious Kingdom, what exactly does that mean for us this week and throughout the year? For today and as you celebrate Christmas, it means you can have a meaningful celebration. You can sing, listen to Christmas music, make cookies, give and receive gifts, enjoy time with your family, and whatever else you have planned. It's the most wonderful time of the year, and with this being 2020 and all we've been through, that is more true than ever.
So make the most of it. You might not be able to do all the things you're used to doing and seeing all the people you want to see, but you can make new memories and new traditions and know that however 2020 went for you, you're ending it on a positive note and remembering all the ways you are blessed--all that Jesus has done for you and will do as you continue to trust in Him.
And for the coming year and beyond? There is much more life to be lived and more of His Kingdom to experience. There will be highs and lows, but God will be with you through it all. There will be choices to make and hardships to endure and joys to celebrate and love to give and receive. But whatever you do, wherever you go, however your life unfolds, you can keep seeking, listening, and following. You can let Jesus take you to the high places and trust Him when the clouds roll in and make life complicated or uncertain.
He is your Savior! He is your God. He is the ruler of His Kingdom, and you are His princess. His amazing, loved, precious daughter, and He wants to celebrate you and your life, so give Him every opportunity to do that. Stay close. Remain in His love. Remember who you are, and never let anyone tell you otherwise.
Joy to the world--and to you, for the Lord has come!
manger scene photo courtesy of freeimages.com
