Christmas can have a profound effect on people as it is a season of joyful reflection and hope. Our expectations of the Christmas season are typically high.
Seeing smiles on children’s faces. Having the perfect weather for sledding and snowman building.
Enjoying a relaxing time with family and friends. But for others, the emptiness of a Christless Christmas can magnify unmet needs and expectations.
All of God’s children are invited to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). No matter what we may have experienced, God has been alongside us.
God’s Promise This Holiday Season
Regardless of our circumstances, we have the promise of His love. If current circumstances or unexpected predicaments jolt your Christmas this year, remember Mary.
Mary had an unexpected visitor named Gabriel, who told her she would bear a Child who would change the world. She then experienced an unexpected pregnancy.
Then there was the unexpected decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered, which led to an unexpected journey at a critical time during her pregnancy.
As we know, she gave birth in an unexpected place — a cave where animals were housed. Then came the unexpected visitors — shepherds and Wise Men. But through it all, she worshiped and pondered these things in her heart.
She knew that this first Christmas extended hope not only for the present but also for eternity. Hebrews 5:9 says, “Having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Those who put their hope in Christ and live for Him have the promise of heaven.
The Reason for Our Hope
In 1744, Charles Wesley wrote a prayer beginning with the words, “Come, Thou long expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free” that turned into the Christmas carol “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (Chris Fenner, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus,” Hymnology Archive).
The carol gained popularity after the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon, used lyrics from the song in an 1855 sermon, “The Incarnation and Birth of Christ.”
Spurgeon took a few words from the second verse, “Born Thy people to deliver, born a Child and yet a King,” to emphasize the fact that Jesus was born a King. “He was a king…. He came to be a ruler in Israel, and a ruler most decidedly He shall be, when He shall reign among His people” (Charles Spurgeon, “The Incarnation and Birth of Christ,”).
The Real Reason for the Season
This Christmas let the birth and redemptive work of Jesus Christ rule in your heart and home. Expect Jesus to come and meet you right where you are, and as you do, the hope of this season will overflow from the power of the Holy Spirit.
A portion of this article is an excerpt from Season of Joy by David Jeremiah.
For further reading:
The First Week of Advent - the Candle of Hope
5 Things Christians Should Know about Advent
Advent Prayers to Prepare Your Heart for Christmas
The Meaning and Symbolism of Advent Wreath and Candles
What Do the Advent Candle Colors Purple, Pink, and White Mean?
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