Countdown to December

Every year as the first few months of the year go by, it feels like December is so far away. For someone with a January birthday, you would think the beginning of the year would be my favorite time of the year; but on the contrary, it’s December. Every year as days, weeks, and months go by, we get closer and closer to the time of year designated to celebrate the birth of Jesus. I understand that not everyone believes in Jesus and as a result, not everyone celebrates Him.  However, regardless of one’s belief, all of us can say that each year we watch the world slow down more and more as we count down to December 25th. The air feels different.  The mood for many is different.  You can feel the kindness and the spirit of giving that takes over.  People are out in the streets, giving and sharing with a joyful heart. You can hear carolers singing praises of the newborn King. (Luke 2:11)  Churches all over the world hold special celebrations for Believers who want to gather together and usher in the day marked to celebrate the birth of Christ. There’s just something about December.

Although we don’t know the exact day that the Lord was born, we all know that on December 25th, we collectively celebrate what Christmas means.  We have the opportunity slow down from the hustle and bustle of life to reflect on the birth of our Lord.  We are able to sit with family to talk about the many ways in which believing in Jesus has changed our lives for the better.  (2 Corinthians 5:17).  We get the privilege to celebrate the greatest gift known to man - God giving us his Son. (John 3:16)

There are many scriptures that point to Christ and show of his upcoming arrival and each December, I find myself taking a deep dive into those scriptures, where I receive new revelation.  Some of those scriptures include:

For unto us a child is born, for unto us a sone is given.  And the government will rest on his shoulders.  And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

She gave birth to her firstborn son.  She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 (Check out the full story in Luke 2:1-20)

And she will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

Where is the newborn king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the East and have come to worship Him. Matthew 2:2

Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot – yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root.  And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him – the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:1-2

In addition to those more commonly referenced Christmas scriptures, there are many more that also reflect on the true essence of who Christ is. Almost 10 years ago, I heard a particular scripture (one that I had heard multiple times) that I wouldn’t categorize as a Christmas scripture.  However, after I heard it that day, it became one of my favorite verses to encompass the holiday season.  In the book of Matthew, Jesus is recorded as saying:

“For when I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me into your home.  I was naked and you gave me clothing.  I was sick and you cared for me.  I was in prison and you visited me.”  (Matthew 25:35-36)  Jesus concludes by saying, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sister, you were doing it unto me!” (Matthew 25:40)

There is something about this passage of scripture that makes me eternally grateful. I am not only thankful that a God who loves like this is my Savior, but I am thankful that I have endless opportunities to care for those around me in a way that matters. At the same time, this passage convicts me.  Each time that I read it, I take a moment to ask myself, “What are you doing for the least of these?” I pose the same question to you.  As Believers in Christ, we are charged live out the call on our lives which is to love God and love people. (Matthew 22:37-40) When we make the decision to live for Jesus, we officially are His representative. We are walking talking advertisements of what believing in the Lord looks like. What better way to honor the birth of Christ than to honor Him by following his commands?  As we love the least of these, we are indeed showing our love, reverence, and worship to Jesus.

This year as you celebrate Christmas, instead of rejoicing in what you receive, look for an opportunity to give, and then act on that opportunity.  Jesus came so that we may have everlasting life.  Let's rejoice in that this season.  If it weren't for the birth of Christ, there would be no Christmas.  Let's show our gratefulness - this Christmas and always - by loving one another the way Christ loves us.

Merry Christmas everyone!

References
Biblica, Inc. (1984, 2011). The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Harper Collins Publishers.

Tyndale House Foundation. (1996, 2004, 2015). Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, Illinois. All rights reserved.: Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers.