Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year to share the hope we have in Jesus Christ. Jesus was not born in Caesar’s palace in Rome or Herod’s palace in Galilee, but Jesus was born a king! He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords! That may be old news to you, yet millions in America have never understood this.
Consider what the prophet Isaiah wrote about Jesus 700 years before his birth: “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 increase 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” (Isaiah 9:6-7). That is why the birth of Jesus Christ is such a big deal. The best Christmas gift of all time was given to us that first Christmas!
May we never lose the wonder of Christ’s first coming to earth. We have a wonderful faith, and the word “wonderful” simply means to be full of wonder. Every time I think about God becoming a human, it boggles my mind. Oh, I can understand it–God became a man.
A 5-year-old can repeat it, but it’s still a wonder! Then when I think about God crucified and dying on a cross, I stand in wonder at such love and grace. When I think about a hardened sinner becoming a sweet saint, that is the wonder of the Spirit’s regenerating power! Do you ever stand in awe and wonder at God who can keep track of billions of people, who always answers his phone, and can hear everyone’s prayers all at once?
Then think about the church that has the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, and people of all races, yet in Christ we have a unity that is stronger than the forces of evil! I do not know how we are all going to be resurrected on that last day and be received up in the air and united with the Lord, but I believe it will happen.
Christmas is a great time to ponder the wonder of all that God has done for us and continues to do through Jesus Christ!
PRAYER THOUGHTS – Gracious Father, may we never take for granted your love and mercy that prompted you to send heaven’s best for our worst. Give us wisdom to share this good news not only at Christmastime, but throughout the year.
Brian Giese
The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Kewanee Voice.
