Finally, let us meditate on Christmas, and refocus our attention on Jesus, because He is the centre of Christmas.
Rethink:
And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. (Luke 1:46-49)
Mary, while still a virgin, was bearing the baby Jesus. She would be potentially condemned by the people who kept the Mosaic law, risking rejection from society. Yet, she was chosen by God, called to bring Jesus, He Himself, the Word became flesh, into this world.
Facing a growing baby bump and potential rejection, she considered herself blessed. Mary’s faith is so impressive, that she was able to put her focus on God instead of on herself and her own worries.
We are entitled to good things, and a good quality of life in this world but can God give us a difficult task? Has He got the right, and ownership, to charge us to follow Him, even if it means rejection from our own society in this world? We are supposed to put our focus on Jesus every Christmas and tell our families and friends about Him. Let us rethink how we can focus and glorify God, and how our Christmas can be Jesus centred.
Recommit:
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. (Micah 5:2)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)
Centuries ago, the coming of our Saviour, Lord Jesus Christ, has been foretold in many Old Testament books. It also said that the zeal of God must accomplish this salvation. It is about God’s plan and foretelling of His coming kingdom, of His works and the Salvation. Therefore it is very important for us to pay attention to Jesus’ coming. For this is about God, not about us.
If we stop and think, while we prepare and wrap the presents for others, we realise that we are wrapped up in something so much bigger than ourselves. Christmas means God is reconciling the world to Himself through Jesus Christ, and God’s plan happened.
Now, every believer has this hope because of what God has done, not because of us. We are loved and reconciled to God in the faith, we have eternal hope, and God helps us according to His love. If this grace is so good, if the message of Christmas is joyful, what are the things that have kept us from sharing this good news to others?
What might be the things in our hearts that still convince us to live in ignorant self love, live in detachment, and keep living in apathy?
He has now tasked us with making Jesus known here and now, everyday, through our speech and loving actions. Let us recommit ourselves to Him, to love Him and love others.
Restart:
What would you change this Christmas after reading our Church’s devotions? What will you do differently in the new year, into the next Christmas?
Is there any unreconciled hurt that happened in the past? Are there any grudges held against one another? May forgiveness happen and peace be made, taking the place of any blame or division.
Are you burnt out? May God give you strength upon strength.
How would you pray to God for a fresh start, and be a blessed person before God this Christmas?
May God help us to rethink, recommit, and restart, all in Him. May God bless you this Christmas.
Hymn Sharing : Turn Your Eyes
