Different Times, Same God
Christmas is rejoicing time: We get to celebrate the best gift ever, the birth of our Savior. It matters not what your station in life is at this moment. Today we can all use Christmas as a time of renewal. This kind of renewal satisfies our inner need for a specific type of revitalization:
- forgiveness (given or received) to enjoy a clear conscience
- the Spirit of God to strengthen body, mind, and soul
- a pouring of faith into the heart that fills to overflow
- the discernment to adjust life’s priorities to live for the glory of God alone.
Renewal is about rebuilding in the middle of what can be perceived as sheer chaos. Like now, where our tomorrows are uncertain and questions about “how to” flood our minds. It’s here where we cannot afford to err on the side of faith. Our Christmas reflections should be even more grand this year! We’ve had a difficult, all-together strange season, but we have the same God, whose love is documented by the birth of this child, our soon redeemer.
But it is never easy to discern good or thankfulness during times of trouble. Trouble is an excellent place to assess, review, and begin anew. Christmas during a pandemic that is resurging—yipes! However, not such a unique irony when we examine the actual setting of the birth of Christ. The times were traumatic, uncertain, threatening, and mysterious. On one side, His life was condemned to death – and on the other side, His life was celebrated with the giving of precious gifts. The survival of Jesus after birth was calculatingly manipulated by the Spirit of God right under the nose of the evil seekers who desired to kill Him.
Hence, gratitude, giving, and celebration are still the main heartfelt and lived ingredients. God’s power doesn’t disappear because of our problems. Surely we must know, and then act like we know, that He is not intimidated by our circumstances and can handle each one. From the first book of the Bible, Genesis, to the last book, Revelation, the accounts of God’s creation, provision, protection, correction, and directives for a spirit-filled life illustrate His love for His children. He is never late – always right on schedule (according to His Master plan). The Lord is fully aware of our feelings, desires, plans, and prayers. Surely, His promises cannot be voided out, ever.
When we enter into this season of light, of peace and joy, we need to raise our faith meters – prepared with eChristmas gifts: enlightenment, encouragement, and our exchange factor. Get ready now, here’s our foundation for renewal: “Do not call to mind the former things, or consider things of the past. Behold, I am going to do something new, now it will spring up; will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 NASB.
In other words, we should not count past losses or mourn them, which tends to bring on feelings of depression, disappointment, and dread. We should focus on what we have left in the present, being watchful through faith to participate with Father God in our future process.
The times we live in will forever experience modifications, but we get to know the unchangeable love of God in spite of it. Proof: It is He that formed us, knows us by name, is with us always in the good, the bad, and the ugly, and sees us as precious and valuable because He loves us. A love not based on performance – we cannot achieve His love, we can only receive His love.
While we acknowledge the numerous changes (devastating losses or spectacular development) that have mounted in 2020, the change in moving ahead has everything to do with our internal perceptions. Our spirits can be grateful, humble, and content in every stage of our journey, because of a precious Christmas gift. Jesus’ birth satisfied the law – that we couldn’t – to usher you and me into the presence of God the Father.
Grace at Christmas!
- Partake of the things that nourish the soul.
- Pursue things that have eternal value.
- Practice daily habits that cooperate with God’s plan to strengthen us.
- Present ourselves to God without the distractions of our thoughts over His.
Believe – receive – achieve… be the light! Merry Christmas!
