It seems like every possible aspect of Christmas has been discussed in books, sermons, and music. It feels like musicians, pastors, teachers, speakers, and authors have viewed every single angle of this special day. Is there anything left to say about Christmas? You may despise my bluntness, but to be honest, I’m tired of hearing the same things over and over. I’ve lost interest in the Christmas story.
“But,” you might say, “shouldn’t we always be filled with wonder at the miraculous story of Christ’s birth?”
Well, in an ideal world, yes. But we live in a fast-paced world that seems to be constantly moving on to the next new thing. I want to ground myself in the promise and hope of the Christmas story.
We all know it’s more than a story. It’s more than a picture in our minds of a dirty stable and a wooden manger.
It’s the reason we are here. It’s the reason for our hope.
To be honest (again), this doesn’t get me excited. I should be thrilled about Christ’s birth and what it means for my life, but I’m not.
I don’t have a magical feeling this Christmas. I don’t feel exhilarated or elated. Sure, I enjoy baking cookies, Christmas shopping, and watching classic movies with my family; but I don’t feel particularly happy.
If you can relate, then all I have to say is to trust the facts, not your feelings. God’s truth is more reliable than your roller-coaster of emotions.
But what is God’s truth?
- Jesus is the King of Kings.
And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and give birth to a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:30-33 NASB)
- Jesus’ birth is a miracle.
But Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” The angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; for that reason also the holy Child will be called the Son of God.” (Luke 1:34-35 NASB)
- Jesus’ life can give everyone peace and joy.
And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 NASB)
The wonder was not just meant for Mary and Joseph, the shepherds, and the wise men. This wonder, this miracle, this hope of Christ is for us, too. The angels’ message of peace is for the whole world–of Christmases past and Christmases to come.
Just think about it. What if Jesus hadn’t come? We would be hopeless, worthless, and purposeless. Our existence would have no value or meaning.
Christ gives us worth. He gives our lives purpose. He is our hope.
It can get pretty tiring hearing the same Christmas carols over and over. The Christmas story can lose its wonder in our finite minds. But we don’t have to feel a certain way or have a certain emotion. (It’s even okay to feel a little depressed or melancholy around this time of year.) We just have to glorify God for the things we have heard and tell others about them, like the shepherds did (Luke 2:17, 20).
We just have to trust the truth. “…there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). This truth is for “all the people” (Luke 2:11). This truth is for you and me.
Merry Christmas!
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 