Jesus says, " I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6).
The other day, we sat around our dinner table, and each of our children shared what Christmas meant to them. Their answers varied from being surrounded by friends and family to getting gifts, and thankfully, one of my little darlings mentioned, “It’s about Jesus.”
I guess it’s easy for me to boldly (and rather loudly) declare Jesus is the reason for the season, yet not be the best example of what that looks like, especially when frustration grows that my family isn’t seeing Christmas the way I do! Once again, my humble heart meets my prideful self. Sigh.
Truth be told, our little family does all the things we need to — the boxes get checked so to speak. The Advent calendar — done. Church services — done. Decorations that proclaim — Jesus is the Reason for the Season — done.
However, by the end of the day, I often question if this is how God wants us to celebrate Christmas. If Jesus is the reason for the season, why doesn’t it “feel” like Christmas?
John 14:6 is one of my favorite verses because it lays out for us rather beautifully who Jesus is and how we can seek Him this sweet and special season and throughout the year.
While this beloved verse is in reference to the Last Supper when Jesus soothes the disciples' concerns and offers them comfort, the words proclaimed here can also bring us comfort and peace during the Christmas season.
In fully recognizing who Jesus is and that He holds our future and fate in His hands, we can see that God wants us to do more than go through the motions, hold fast to unrealistic expectations we put upon ourselves and others or grab for that magical “feeling.”
God is inviting us to pause and reflect on the great love He has for us in the wonderful gift of His Son.
We must understand that the catchy and rather trendy catchphrase “Jesus Is the Reason for the Season” is more than a platitude we hang on our wall or something we simply say.
So, what does the sentiment mean? Will it have the same value for each of us?
Christmas holds a different piece of our hearts at various seasons in our lives, so maybe it is personal. Jesus may show up and bring peace to the one striving to get everything done, whereas He may be a source of hope for the one wading through grief.
As seasons come and go, bringing changes and henceforth changing us, thankfully, our God remains the same. His promise of peace, hope, and joy is always there for us.
This time of year may conjure up a wide range of emotions, but as we gaze upon that baby in a manger we are reminded that Jesus came for a purpose to fulfill a prophecy to save us — in every season.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
As we head into the holiday season, no matter what your circumstances may hold, take a moment to pause and reflect on who Jesus is and what He has done for you.
Jesus is the reason for the season (and every season) because He paved the way for us to meet the Father. He shares with us through His Word, The Truth, on how we are called and commanded to live. And He offers us eternal Life through a proclamation of our faith.
Jesus is the reason for the season because He is The Way, The Truth, and The Life. Tuck that into your heart this Christmas, friend.
1. Celebrate the Way to the Father
I am the way. Four words should offer us hope no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in.
Yet, how easy is it for us to lose our way in this life? We often take detours that lead us to the overwhelmed or stressed path, especially in a season that begs us to do more.
It’s as if we are merely filling up the calendar striving to make memories with our families, only to find this low grumble in our hearts when distractions steal our joy.
If we are forcing Christmas to be meaningful, only to have it fall flat, it usually stems from unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves and others. God asks this for our hearts, so let’s give it to Him this Christmas.
Here are a few ways to stay in tune with the Way God wants us to celebrate Christmas:
- Give Jesus the gift of your time (Ephesians 5:16). Find time daily to slip away and get still and quiet. Even if, even for a brief bit to posture your heart for joy, you’ll find your way back to Jesus.
- Worship and sing songs of praise to him (Psalm 113). Go on and make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Turn up that favorite Christmas carol and worship Him!
- Get quiet and pray purposefully (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Thank Jesus for being the way to the Father and for the meaning of Christmas.
2. Honor the Truth of Christmas
We currently live in a society that tells us to live our own truth. That truth is based on personal feelings and is subjective to our circumstances.
However, Jesus turns that completely upside down. He tells us that He is the Truth. He offers us real Truth in His Word. John 1:1 tells us that in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
We must hold tightly to the truths found throughout the scriptures and realize that distractions are everywhere. They will try to capture our minds and steal our hearts, so we must be on guard.
Here are some ways to cling to the Truth and gently share it with others this Christmas:
- Read a part of the Christmas story (Luke 1-2 or Matthew 1-2). Share this with your family and friends and offer them a glimpse into the most powerful story in the history of our world.
- Dig into the Word. Not sure where to start? Start with the gospels in the New Testament. Each account varies a bit but leads us back to the Way, Truth, and Life — Jesus!
- Take time to reflect (John 8:32). Take a moment to lift up and pray for those that may not know Jesus. If you find yourself wavering, invite God into your heart to reveal His Truth in mighty ways.
3. Give Jesus Thanks and Praise for His Life
What if we didn’t do “all the things” and just put time aside to just be present? We can have the best of intentions, but if we are growing frustrated that our children aren’t getting along or seeing Christmas the way we would like them to, it churns our hearts to complain rather than rejoice.
In declaring that we are all sinners that mess up, we also state that we need a new life. A life that calls us to be “born again.” A life that directs us to seek out and glorify God.
Here are some ways we can praise God for the Life He brought to save us this Christmas:
- Spread love (John 15:12-13). Reach out to those that are hurting, grieving, or in need. If God is laying a person or family member on your heart, offer them the gift of your time.
- Reconcile broken relationships (Colossians 3:13). We were created to do life together, to hold one another up, and come alongside each other in good times and bad. Is there a relationship that needs mending? Ask God to provide ways to extend grace.
- Give with an open heart (2 Corinthians 9:7). Give with a cheerful heart and with an attitude of service. When we give without strings attached, we find that it blesses us as well.
One Final Thought
What does Christmas mean to you? Take some time to ponder on that. Then possibly discuss that question as a family. Your children’s answers may surprise you.
If they bring comments that don’t fit your mold of what Christmas means, reveal to them The Way, The Truth, and The Life this Christmas.
We may view Christmas through a different lens depending on the season we find ourselves in, but let’s rejoice in our faithful, constant, and loving God, that offers us the ultimate gift of everlasting life!
For further reading:
3 Ways to Keep Jesus at the Center of Your Christmas This Year
4 Ways How Your Children Can Love Both Jesus and Santa at Christmas
How Do We Inwardly Prepare for Christmas?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/GettyImagesPlus/kipgodi
