Find Joy In Today

The Christmas season is supposed to be a time full of joy, anticipation, and reflection, where the air is filled with the sweet scent of pine needles and freshly baked cookies. We often go to any lengths to make sure everything is perfect, ensuring that our homes are adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments that tell stories of traditions passed down through generations. We dream of a Christmas that is out of the scene of a Hallmark movie, complete with cozy gatherings around the fireplace, laughter echoing through the halls, and the warmth of love enveloping us as we create unforgettable memories with family and friends. The moments spent wrapping gifts, singing carols, and sharing meals become cherished highlights, making this season truly magical.

We run ourselves ragged making sure each present is the perfect gift, carefully selecting and wrapping them with care, and then wonder if the receiver of the gift will even appreciate it or understand the thought behind our choices. The anticipation of their reaction sometimes feels overwhelming. Then there are the extra to-do lists that often bring stress overload, which can feel endless as we juggle tasks and deadlines. We try to fit in our already busy schedules time to decorate our homes with festive cheer, bake cookies that fill the air with delightful aromas, clean our spaces to welcome guests, and make time to visit relatives, all while keeping up with work and personal commitments. The holiday season, meant to be a time of joy, can transform into a whirlwind of obligations, leaving us longing for a moment of peace amidst the chaos.

The joy and peace we are supposed to feel this time of year begins to fade away as we lose focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

Isaiah 9:6-7 says:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”

This verse depicts the very nature of Jesus Christ. He is the Savior of the world, who embodies love, sacrifice, and grace. Let’s look deeper into what this verse truly means. By understanding the essence of His message, we discover the story of redemption and hope which offers comfort and peace to the weary soul and guidance to the one who is lost.

What Does it Mean?

A Child is Born:

Jesus is the promised Messiah spoken about in the Old Testament. His arrival was foretold through various prophecies that describe his divine nature, the transformation he would bring, and the salvation he would offer to humanity. From the early writings of the prophets to the many foreshadowings in the law and the Psalms, the anticipation of a savior grew among the people of Israel, culminating in the New Testament where Jesus fulfills these ancient promises through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection, demonstrating his role as the eternal King and Redeemer.

Isaiah 5:14 says: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” This was written over 700 years before Jesus was born!

Micah 5:2 says: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Isaiah 7:14 says: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Jesus left His heavenly home to take on flesh and dwell among us. What a powerful display of the love and care the Father has for us.

A Son is Given

This emphasizes the gift of Jesus to each and every one. He was not just born, but He was given to us as a precious gift from the Father above. God the Father wanted to be reconciled back to us so much that He sacrificed His only son to die in our place. Now that is love. John 3:16 says:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” 

Wonderful Counselor

Jesus is eternally wise and in control. He is ready to lead and guide us today, offering us His profound understanding and strength in every situation we encounter. We can trust Him to listen to our problems and guide us in the right direction, knowing that His ways are beyond human comprehension and that His compassion for us is limitless. In times of uncertainty and doubt, we can lean on His promises and find peace in the fact that He directs our lives with perfect wisdom and love, ensuring that we are never alone on our journey.

Mighty God

Despite His humble birth in a manger, Jesus is God Almighty. He possesses infinite power and authority over all things, from the vast creation to the intricate details of our daily lives. Nothing is impossible with Him; His miraculous works throughout history serve as a testament to His boundless capability. What He says, He will do, and His promises offer us hope and assurance in times of uncertainty. Each act of kindness and compassion displayed during His life reflects His unwavering love for humanity, reminding us that even in our lowest moments, we are never alone, for He is always with us, guiding and supporting us on our journey through life.

Everlasting Father

Jesus is the Messiah who is a powerful ruler and a tender, faithful, wise provider who loves us and holds us close to Him. John 14:9-11 says: “Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?  Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me?  The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves.”

Jesus cares deeply for us and provides for us as an earthly father provides for his family.

Prince of Peace

Jesus brings peace to a world torn with conflict and hate. He brings peace to our weary hearts and minds. His peace is a peace that passes all of our understanding. It is not the absence of conflict, but a knowing that God is in control and will work everything out for our good. John 14:27 says:

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

How Can I Apply This to my Life?

You can apply the Christmas Story to your life by embracing the gift God has given. Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior. Turn to Him when you need wisdom and guidance and not to your own understanding. Trust in His power to overcome the challenges you may be facing. Begin to experience His peace by releasing your cares to Him. Cultivate a relationship with Jesus and begin to live in the peace that only He can give.

Remember that God moves in His timing. What He has promised, He will do. He promised a Savior hundreds of years before that promise came to fruition. No matter how impossible God’s promises may seem, He will do exactly as He has said. His promise will manifest at just the right time in your life. Don’t trust your intellect. God’s power is not confined by narrow perspective or bound by human limitations. Trust Him completely.

Conclusion

My prayer for you today is that you will embrace the true meaning of the season. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Begin to put aside the need to have everything perfect and just right. Perfection is often an illusion that leads only to disappointment. Let go of the anxiety and stress that you are experiencing, understanding that these feelings do not reflect the joy that this season can bring. Instead, turn your eyes upon Jesus. Allow His peace and love to fill every area of your heart and mind, transforming your worries into hope and your burdens into blessings. You will find peace in the warmth of His presence. Take a moment to reflect and cherish the blessings around you, and in turn, be a blessing to others.

Merry Christmas my dear readers.

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