Thursday, December 21, 2023

With just a few days before Christmas, are you finding it to be the “most wonderful time of the year”? 

I have wonderful memories of Christmas from my youth. My family of five sang together in one of the best choirs in the Toledo area. We had a skilled, adventurous choir director, professional vocalists, and were often accompanied by members of the Toledo orchestra. It was so much fun, and the music was very special! To me, it was the most wonderful time of the year.

I understand not everyone has such precious memories of Christmas. In fact, my own children might say theirs aren’t so great due the chaos that followed our family breaking apart when I was in my early 20s. Although we tried, the holidays lost their wonder for me. 

So how did I get it back? Through Jesus! 

After trying to make myself happy for 20 years, I took the focus off of me and returned to celebrate our God, who is with us.

Matthew 1:23
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”

This is such wonderful news! God loved us enough to send his Word, his Son, Jesus to save us (John 1:1-5). He communicated with us through Jesus so that we could, perhaps, comprehend the depth of his enduring love for us! The names of Jesus found in Scripture give us so many things to celebrate about him!

Isaiah 9:6
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! These names and promises are for us as believers. And so we should be gloriously thankful for Jesus—the most wonderful gift ever!

2 Corinthians 9:15
Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

It is my prayer for you this Christmas season that you take the time in all the busyness and rush to contemplate the wonder of this gift. I pray that you take time to praise and thank God for all he has given you. And in that space, I pray you open your heart in worship and joy for our wonderful, amazing, generous God.

Questions: 
Has the wonder of Christmas been lost for you? Or perhaps you never had it. What can you do to get it (back)? What can you celebrate this Christmas, regardless of your circumstances?

Next Steps: 
With family or friends, or by yourself, light a candle and listen to some Christmas music. Make space to wonder about God’s greatest gift. Think about what it means to be a Wonderful Counselor, a Mighty God, an Everlasting Father, a Prince of Peace. Share those thoughts with someone or write them in your journal. 

Prayer:   
Good and generous God, I am so grateful for the wonderful gift of Jesus! Especially at this time of year, I pray for a deeper understanding of the love that came down for us long ago. I celebrate the birth of my Savior and I desire to make space in my heart for him. Help me tear down any idols in my heart so that you alone may reign. Let my life reflect the glory of your coming, so that others are drawn to you this Christmas season. Amen.

Parent resource:     
Read Luke 2:20 together as a family. What’s the biggest thing you want to thank God for right now? Share with each other, and give God a giant round of applause. 

This post was written by Lauri White, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut.