Admittedly, the Christmas season is my favorite time of the year! The yearly big debate in my house is how early can we put up the Christmas Tree!! I love riding around with my family looking at all the shops, malls, and neighborhoods lit up with flickering lights, moving Christmas inflatables, and colorful decorations! It is the time of year where the only songs I ask ALEXA and Pandora to play are the old school Christmas classics like Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, Run Rudolph Run, and of course Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer. The Christmas season is that one time of the year when people are always jolly and joyful and peaceful and polite (except during Black Friday).
But, as impressive as these things may be, nothing makes this season more special than the fact that we get to remember and celebrate the birth of the King…Jesus! You see, as much as we love Santa, we can never forget Christmas is all about the Savior! The Messiah! The ONE that was born to redeem that which was broken, disconnected, and lost. This little, beautiful baby boy, born in a small dusty manger in Bethlehem, symbolizes the fulfillment of prophecy!
Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) says, “For to us a child is born, to us, a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
We should enjoy our families, Christmas festivities and have fun decorating our homes, churches, and workspaces during this time of year. However, we should never forget the truth that this season is more about the Savior’s purpose than it is the image and love we have for Santa.
So, as we rest, relax, and safely enjoy one another during this time of year, let us also reflect on the truth found in God’s Word in places like Isaiah 9:6 and reflect and remember who deserves the ultimate celebration! With all that has transpired in 2020, now more than ever, we need to remember born to us was THE King, sent to save the lost, restore what was broken, and redeem and reconcile us all back to our Heavenly Father. We are entering into this beautiful time of year, not just to anticipate the gifts we will give and receive, but to celebrate the greatest gift given to us all! Baby Jesus, the Messiah, who Isaiah 9:6 described as:
- “Wonderful Counselor” – Jesus is the one who tells us about God and ourselves. He is a wonderful counselor who teaches us how we are to live and love one another.
- “Mighty God” – Jesus is God in the flesh. He is Emmanuel…God with us. Jesus is the living embodiment of God taking on humanity to save us and identify with us. Through Jesus, we have a visible image of God’s love for us!
- “Father of Eternity” – Jesus opens up the way to eternal life. He is the True Vine (John 15: 1-17). He is the Head, the Source, the Father of eternal life.
- “Prince of Peace” – Jesus is the one who brings peace with God, men and women, and inner peace, as He died for sinners and rose again. He is our forever peace!
So, as much as we enjoy this extraordinary time of year, let us never forget, Santa is secondary, and the Savior will always and forever be primary! Merry Christmas!