Luke 2:11-12 "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." NIV Revelation 21:5 "...I am making everything new!..." NIV
It is hard to believe that Christmas is already upon us. Christmas really is a wonderful time of year. The sights the sounds, and the smells are truly amazing. One thing that I love the most about Christmas is that it precedes the New Year. I'm not sure if Jesus was really born on December 25th or not and truthfully I don't really care to the accuracy of His birthday, I am just glad He was born. I am glad that God chose to become one of us so that He could become our empathetic, triumphant Savior and Lord.
It is so brilliant that we celebrate the birth of Christ so close to the New Year because it provides the opportunity to finish the year with reflection on Who Jesus is, Why He came, and How His person and work affect our lives. Regardless of how the year went Christmas provides reflection on what is most important in life. In a sense it refocuses our priorities and purpose when we stop and celebrate the birth our Savior. Without His birth we would not be able to celebrate the salvation that His life, death, resurrection and ascension has provided. We have none of that if He had not first chose to become flesh and make His dwelling among us.
Christmas at the end of the year also provides the opportunity to have a fresh outlook on the New Year. Regardless of the failures of the past year, regardless of the heartache, we have experienced, Christmas is a perfect illustration of the heart of God for us. At the birth of Christ God was ushering in the beginning of His kingdom of which there is no end. Of which we are invited be part of. "Behold He is making all things new." That includes us. For that I am thankful. As you celebrate the birth of Christ this year celebrate the newness of life that Christ not only offers but delivered and will fulfill at His return.
