Christmas — the most wonderful time of the year!
When I think of Christmas, there are so many wonderful and exciting things that come to my mind I don’t even know where to begin. A few of my favorite things are: picking out the perfect tree, hanging up the Christmas lights, and sipping hot chocolate (with extra marshmallows) while Nat King Cole and Bing Crosby sing in the background.
You know, as much as I love these moments and cherish the sentiment that comes along with them, they truthfully have little (or nothing) to do with the wonder that is Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas came down from heaven and was found wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger. A baby named Jesus, born in Bethlehem.
The truth of the incarnation of God Himself is so profound and astounding, it’s hard to know how to even begin to make sense of it. How do we wrap our minds around the wonder of the Ancient of Days becoming an infant? How do we understand the depths of the Eternal God who breathed life into man, now living as man, depending on the nurture of His mother?
Honestly, there are not enough words in the world or breaths in a lifetime of living, to explain how astonishing this event was. Yet, the Bible states it as simply as, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel’ — which means, God with us.” — Matthew 1:23
So simple and yet so profound. Jesus Christ is the eternal promise of God that He Himself would come into our world to save us. The God of heaven and earth entered creation, to be near to us. Jesus Christ is the One we celebrate and worship. He is the Immanuel — God With Us. That is what makes Christmas so wonderful!
Come, let us adore Him!
Bryan
Posted in A Word from the Pastor