December 25: Rejoicing in the Gift

Pastor Jeff Cranston

“And we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us understanding so that we can know the true God. And now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life.” 

1 John 5:20

As you sit with this passage from 1 John today, I hope that you will clearly consider the reality that “we can know the true God.” And on this Christmas day - wherever you are – take these moments to remember and celebrate that in Christ, we can live in fellowship with Him. 

Today, we rejoice because God, in Christ Jesus, became a fellow traveler with us. Just as Mary placed the infant Jesus in a manger, God placed himself into our demanding, messy, and often tiring journey in this world.

Theologians call this truth the great mystery of the Incarnation: Almighty God became a helpless infant. Jesus’ earthly address changes our eternal address. Because of the Word—Jesus in the flesh—we are not alone on our journey. We can always trust that he is walking with us. No wonder we sing today, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come”!

Merry Christmas, beloved one. Jesus came for you, and that is worth celebrating today!

Lord Jesus, thank you for coming for me. You have given Yourself for me; may I give myself to You. May I never dally with the world and its allurements, but walk by Your side, listen to Your voice, both cloth with Your grace and adorned with Your righteousness. In Your name I pray. Amen.

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