Lest we forget, the Jesus whom we celebrate at Christmastime is both our Creator and Savior.
Before Jesus stepped into the picture–darkness!
Pre-history, Scene One, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep…” (Genesis 1:1-2).
The Son of God, referred to in John’s gospel as the Word—”In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God“—did speak the universe into being.
“Through him all things were made” (John 13a).
Scene Two, long after man’s separation from God because of sin, Jesus the Savior was born, and “people living in darkness have seen a great light,” as prophesied by Isaiah, “on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.”
People may deny all they want, but truth be told, millions, maybe even billions of people today “live in the land of the shadow of death.”
Dysfunctional relationships. Sickness. Lawlessness. Rebellion. Financial lack. Pride. Greed. Arrogance. Religious persecution. We’re all too familiar with stories of individuals, even hordes of people (think refugees from ISIS) stuck in mires they could not escape from. Some of us deal with issues which suck the life out of us—making our days joy-less, peace-less.
Jesus not only came to unshackle you. He also grants victory in spite of hopelessness. That’s why this time around, He is Savior! But remember, He’s your Creator too—who formed you in your mother’s womb and knew you even before you were born (Psalm 139).
No one needs to remain in the dark or wallow in despair.
Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
So it would be a pity if we greet people, “Merry Christmas!” yet only enjoy its “merry” part—the 13th-month pay, parties and sumptuous handaan (feasts), and gifts galore.
Christ is Christmas. For once, focus on the greatest gift that’s been given, our biggest reason for rejoicing.
Jesus, Savior! Haven’t you received Him yet?
Jesus, I admit, I could not tackle life on my own. I need you to light my way. Would you be my Savior? Forgive me. Speak life into me. Make me a brand new creation, in Your Name I pray.
