We continue to focus our hearts and attention on Christmas and the Christmas season as we again seek to help keep our minds focused on Jesus’ birth this year. We have already considered recently the fact that Christmas is about Jesus. In fact, we highlighted and celebrated that Jesus Cares, Jesus Saves, Jesus Forgives, Jesus Intercedes, and Jesus Provides! Today, we consider the next thought about Jesus as we continue our countdown to Christmas.
Play a (very short) Birthday Celebration Game with Me…
STEP ONE:
Think about the last birthday celebration you attended. It could be for your child, grandchild, brother, sister, spouse, friend, family member, coworker, or whomever. Any celebration will work for this example.
You are ready for step two whenever you get the celebration in your mind. Again, any of them will work. Ready?
STEP TWO:
Now that you have a celebration in mind, take a moment to think about what you thought about. I have a few questions which can help you.
- Did you only celebrate the moment this other person was born?
- Were all the pictures and conversation focused on infancy, the birth itself, or the hours after the birth?
- Did the conversations relate just simply to what parents did in and around the birth of the baby?
- Did the conversations also primarily relate to everyone else present for the birth as well?
Or… is it possible that you were thinking of other things while at the party? Let’s go on.
STEP THREE:
With the same party in mind, take just a moment more to once again think about what you thought about.
- Is it possible that as you celebrated, you celebrated the whole person?
- Would you say that your celebration included the moment this other person was born but also everything else after that?
- In fact, would you even go as far as saying that the moment of this other person’s birth was probably the least-important thing you considered?
- On the contrary, did you instead actually think about your memories with this other person?
- Did you think about all the things that make up this other person’s character?
- Is it possible you didn’t stop with the other person’s character, but also thought about the things the other person has done, said, and accomplished?
- Did you happen to consider the other person’s personality and the things you enjoy about the other person?
- Final question — did you take a moment to consider the other person’s love for you and your love for the other person?
Christmas Is Simply More Than a Birthday Celebration
Now let’s take all our answers to those questions and apply them to your Christmas celebration.
- When you celebrate Christmas and think about the birth of Jesus, where does your mind go? What do you consider as you celebrate Christmas with family, friends, fellow church members, and coworkers?
- Is it possible that you think only of Jesus’ birth, the events surrounding His birth, and those who were present?
- Could it also be possible that when you celebrate Jesus’ birth this Christmas that you minimize all the other portions of Who He is?
- Is it possible that you give a nod to Jesus being the reason for the season and celebration but then quickly move on to gifts, parties, food, preparation, and fun?
- Final question — could your celebration of Christmas be any more dissimilar than to the last birthday party you attended?
We celebrate Jesus — more than just His birth!
As a follower of Christ, please let me challenge you this Christmas to celebrate the God-man as a person, not just simply His birth.
No doubt His birth is worth celebrating. In fact, the story of His birth warms hearts, ignites faith, and annually reminds us of the miraculous. A virgin conceived and had a baby — God’s Son no doubt! As regal a birth as Jesus deserved, we recognize His birth as a humble time: born in a manger, shepherds as guests, and away from anything resembling a home much less a palace. Jesus’ dad exercised great faith as did His mom and cousins. Angels celebrated. Stars appeared. Wise men followed.
These things certainly are worth celebrating. But we cannot miss the rest. His perfect obedience to His Father’s will. The mercy and compassion for people. His teaching. The miracles. His merciful patience. The perfect example. The betrayal. An unjust and untimely death. The selfless sacrifice. Three days later the resurrection. The defeat of death, hell, the Devil, and sin. The offer of salvation for the Jews first and then the whole world. Promises made, promises kept, and promises delivered.
What’s even more incredible is the fact that the story of Jesus is far from over! We have just begun. Today and this year when you look forward seamlessly blends into eternity.
We celebrate all of this at Christmas!
What About You?
Regardless of where you are today, what you are doing, what your circumstances are, or the pressures you face this Christmas season, Jesus Christ cares, saves, forgives, intercedes, and provides! This season provides you an opportunity to focus on the gracious birth, life, death, and work of our Savior. The world around you — your family, friends, co-workers, fellow church members, neighbors, and community — needs you focused appropriately on Jesus. The true message and meaning of Christmas is lost in your life and community only if you fail to celebrate Christ in His fullness. May it be our joy and privilege this Christmas season to celebrate and live Christ.
Merry Christmas.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together