After weeks of waiting and anticipation, Christmas is finally here. While Advent is so much about expectation and remembering the promises and prophecies, Christmas ushers in the blessing, the gift of the Christ child, and the start of something new.
For all the time we spend waiting, we also spend hours preparing our homes to celebrate Christmas. We decorate, bake, cook, and, of course, spend hours shopping for gifts.
My children love to receive Christmas gifts, and one of my children often has her list made well ahead of time. She will usually list all the items she would love to receive but then highlight the most important ones she would prefer to receive. It’s endearing because she is always content with what she is given. But no matter how many gifts have her name on the box, the joy of receiving them never lasts forever.
Sure, the sweatshirt is cozy, and the jewelry is pretty, but whether it’s a child or adults receiving gifts, our delight in them does not usually last very long. We are happy, thankful, and appreciate the gift, but the joy is transient, temporary, and within a few months or even days, our desires have moved onto something else. Things never keep us satisfied and content.
Earthly gifts never fully satisfy and always leave us wanting.
But Jesus, He is the real gift of the season. He is the gift we all need and the gift that keeps on giving. He will sustain us, fill us with joy, and never leave us disappointed. Jesus is the gift we receive and need on Christmas and every day. He is the Light of the world, God With us.
In the Bible, we see Jesus coming to a world in darkness. The world had been groaning for over 400 years, waiting. There was pain, suffering, and darkness. The people were sinful and rebellious and longed for a Saviour, a Messiah who would come to save them. The people lived in darkness, not just physical darkness and suffering but also spiritual darkness. They needed something to bring light into their world, but they did not know what or who could do that.
But Isaiah prophesied that there would be a child born who would save the people.
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore, the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel.
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies of a child who would be born to save the world.
Micah 5:2
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.”
The prophecy in Isaiah 9:2 fulfills the promise that the people walking in darkness will see the light.
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.”
But the world during Isaiah’s time is not much different from our current times. We live in a world filled with war, bloodshed, death, and natural disasters; powerful rulers dominate, and innocent voices cry out for relief. There are broken relationships, broken families, sickness, disease, and all sorts of destruction. We live in a world desperate for a Saviour. We are broken and sinful people. We are lost, and we need hope. We often lose sight of the One who came to save us. Jesus is in the Light of the World, and there is no darkness in Him.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”
When we follow Jesus, we no longer have to live in darkness. We have Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, Faith, and Light in Him. He is our Light. He came for the people in His time crying out but Also for us. For you and me. In Jesus we have hope, we can live authentic and brave lives where we can share His Gift of love with those around us, who do not know Him. We can live out His love. In Him, we have a glorious life.
Our problems on earth are not much different from those of ancient Israel. They lived in darkness, and so do we, but when we turn to Jesus, we have eternal and glorious light.
So, this Christmas Day, let us rejoice that our Saviour has been born for us. He is the Light of the world. We celebrate His birth today, but we need Him every day, and in our hearts, it’s Christmas every day.
Isaiah 9:6-7
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. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
May the Blessings, Joy, and wonder of Christmas fill your hearts & homes this season. Thank you for being a loyal reader and supporter of Monday Morning Musings. Your encouragement & support make it all worthwhile. Please continue to subscribe and recommend it to others.