26/12/2023
📌 Reason for the Season 📌
When you read the story of Jesus' birth, you can’t help but wonder how Mary and Joseph felt as they arrived in Bethlehem after a long tiring journey only to find out that the comfortable inn they were expecting . . . was all sold out. They must have been absolutely shocked, discouraged, and disappointed as they surely never expected that the Savior of the world would be born in a lowly stable and sleep in an animal trough!
The Bible says in Luke 2:6-7, “While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” But even though their plans changed and their situation wasn’t what they had hoped for - it didn’t make Christ’s birth any less miraculous.
From the moment He was born, everything changed! Hope was born! Joseph and Mary humbly accepted the lowly birthplace of their son and instead of being angry and upset that they didn’t have more comfortable lodging, they rejoiced at His birth.
As you look back over the past year, perhaps you're discouraged because life hasn’t been what you had dreamed it would be. Maybe you’ve had some disappointments or setbacks that caused your spiritual life to decline. Life isn’t perfect, and it won’t be until Jesus comes again.
There will be unexpected bumps in the road, heartache, and tears, but don’t allow life’s challenges to pull you out of God’s arms of safety. Whatever difficulty you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. God wants you to know that He is right there beside you, and He’s waiting for you to call out to Him. You don’t have to be afraid. Relax in the reassurance of His love and enjoy the peace that only Jesus can give.
This season of Christmas, put aside your workplace challenges, family drama, and personal disappointments and think about the real meaning of Christmas. It’s not the lights, decorations, or presents under the tree that will bring peace to your soul. Jesus is the reason for the season!
While enjoying your festive celebrations, don’t forget to pause for a moment to reflect on God’s plan of redemption, starting with the miracle of Jesus' birth and His amazing love for you that inspired it all.
Text: John 3:16, John 1:14, Galatians 4:4-5, Ephesians 1:7
