What captures your heart as you reflect on Christmas? Or, have you allowed familiarity to overshadow the wonder of the greatest story ever told?
As the calendar flips to December, my mind is flooded with all the things I must complete by the end of the year and think to myself, will I ever be able to get in the Christmas spirit again this year?
And then, it happens!
Through forcing myself to pull out the decorations while listening to my favorite Point of Grace Christmas music, I begin to catch the wonder of the season. I ask God every year to show me something new in the familiar pages of His word, and He always does. His word tells us, when you seek Him, He will let you find Him. (1 Chronicles 28:9)
I love all the supporting cast members: Mary, Joseph, and the angelic hosts. Oh, and yes, the shepherds and wisemen. And even the guiding star. However, the true wonder of the season is the main character, Jesus! …and all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. (Luke 2:18)
The Christmas story is the story of all stories. Read with fresh eyes the greatest story ever told from the gospels of Matthew and Luke, chapters one and two. Come adore Him.
Here are some parts of the Christmas story that have captured my heart this year:
- A favored virgin, Mary
- A supportive and loving husband, Joseph
- Guidance from an angelic host, Gabriel
- Encouragement from a mentor, Elizabeth
- Magnificence of the heavenlies: a guiding star and the miraculous announcement to the shepherds
- Treasures presented by the wise men
- Devoted and expectant Simeon and Anna
- Behold, for today in the city of David there has been born for YOU a Savior, who is Christ the Lord
When was the last time you were awestruck by God?
Maybe you need to recapture the wonder of the Christmas story.
God sent His greatest assignment in a small package as the incarnation slipped into the ordinary life of a baby. Yes, a baby changes everything! The average and the extraordinary collide on planet earth for the unfolding of the miraculous.
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23
The main star of the story is Jesus. The one whose life gives grace to rebels, extends love and forgiveness to those who don’t deserve it, and imparts wisdom to those who ask.
During this Christmas season and throughout the whole year may your life:
- Be captured by His great love for you. (John 3:16)
- Your heart stand in awe of His words. (Psalm 119:161)
- Your walk be worthy of His calling. (Ephesians 4:1)
There is a big world out there watching for an answer, an answer to the meaning of life. Let your life be a light of the miraculous story of Jesus Christ.
Journeying with Him,
Jessie