Apples of Gold

There is something indescribably special about the birth of a baby. Ironically, today we celebrate the birth of our first-born, Chelsea, 30 years ago. Her due date was actually December 25th and I spent a good amount of time requesting her arrival to be early enough to be home for Christmas. Her dad and I had no idea just how much her presence in our lives would alter our world. 

The arrival of our children-rather through birth, fostering or adoption-completely rewires our routines, engages our emotions and starts us on the road to many new adventures and challenges. However, there is only one birth that drastically impacted the course of human history, bringing life, joy, hope and peace to any who would embrace him. 

That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. Don’t be afraid! He said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord-has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! Luke 2:8-11

The cries of a newborn pierced through the night as the course that he willingly chose to travel, ultimately leading to the cross began. There was not one element of God’s plan that hadn’t been taken into consideration. Jesus knew that he would give his life so that we could have true life. 

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privilege, he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

To Jesus, there was no question of your value. The choice to take on human flesh, and all the challenges that came along with it, speaks volumes about how he looks at each of us. The price that was paid to bring us life was steep. The result-he became a light that leads to true life that can never be extinguished!

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:1-5

Jesus’ name truly is life. Simply whispering the name of Jesus can wrap you in peace like a warm, cozy blanket. His name brings comfort when we are grieving or in pain. 

Many years ago our family was traveling through Minnesota and found ourselves trapped between a high concrete barrier and an 18 wheeler inching closer and closer. As our side mirror was being ripped off I remember looking out the window and simply crying out-Jesus. The truck immediately began to pull away and our lives were spared. 

There is no other name that holds the power of the name of Jesus. The wind and waves must obey him. Demons tremble, all creation longs for his return. His name is the only one that can usher us into the very throne room of God. 

And this is the way to have eternal life-to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. John 17:3

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior can we take some time to examine our hearts and our schedules and see if we have room for him in our lives? Presents, parties, concerts, plays, shopping, and visiting are screaming for our time and attention. Although they can play in important part in our celebration, if they overshadow the celebration of the life that came to bring us eternal life we need to recalibrate. 

Jesus didn’t hesitate to give up his life for us. We should not hesitate to give our lives back to him with no stipulations. Anything but…is not enough. I don’t want to hold on to anyone or anything so tightly that I am not willing to trust God to do what is best. Any hope or dream that I have that is not inspired by and sanctioned by God is not welcome. 

Move over Santa Claus. We are celebrating something enormous here. Jesus birth brought hope, peace and life! 

Merry Christmas!