“Girls! Come downstairs now please,” mama called from the kitchen.
I looked up from my game of Roller Coaster Tycoon and glanced across the room at my sister, who was watching TV. We didn’t have to speak to secretly communicate we didn’t feel like going downstairs. Minutes passed and it seemed we’d succeeded in our cop out. But then …
“Girls!” mama shouted a bit louder. “I’m not going to say it again. Come down here!”
At this point, I knew whatever she wanted us for had to be semi-important, but I still didn’t want to stop playing my game. I was having a blast and I wasn’t in the mood to be interrupted. After a third shout from mama however, my sister and I begrudgingly left our entertainment to see what she needed.
Have you ever been called upon to do something you did not want to do?
Have you ever been asked to do something that overwhelmed you?
2015 years ago, a man named Jesus was called by God to give up all the riches of heaven in exchange for a life of suffering on Earth.
I don’t know about you, but if I were Jesus I would’ve been like, “Are you sure you need me to go down there God? Because things are great up here. I’m having a good time. Why would I want to trade all of heaven for a life of pain, crown of thrones and death on a cross?”
But Jesus didn’t refuse the call to rescue His people, show them the way to life, cover them in love and wipe away all of their sin.
Jesus came down. Love has come. To us. And our world has been forever changed.
God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 1 John 4:9 {NLT}
What a miracle the birth of Jesus is — what a gift of love! Because Jesus came down from heaven, lived a perfect life and died upon the cross, you and I can live in freedom and in love.
Jesus tells us, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty … For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do my own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day. For it is my Father’s will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life. I will raise them up at the last day.” {Selected verses John 6:35-40}
This Christmas, while we are spending time with family, eating lots of wonderful food and opening presents, let us not forget to celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus. Let us celebrate the wonder of his love. Let us sing praises to God for fulfilling the promises He made to our ancestors thousands of years ago.
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
Merry Christmas, lovely ones! May the love of Jesus be all you need.
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Katie Westenberg says
Exactly what I want to remember, where I want my focus, Lauren. And that graphic is beautiful. Wishing you a Merry Christmas!
Lauren Gaskill says
You are so sweet, Katie! Thank you! Have a very Merry Christmas. 😀
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
I love this message, Lauren! This is so true and definitely something that we all need to remember in between the gifts and hustle and bustle of the season. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Lauren Gaskill says
Thanks Gayle! It’s so easy to get distracted and forget about the real reason for Christmas. Wishing you and yours the merriest of Christmases! XOXO
andi says
I’m for some reason thinking of John 8:36 – “for whomever the Son sets free is free indeed”!”
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
You always write so beautifully, Lauren! I love this post! I feel like a lot of people forget the true meaning of Christmas, so thank you for sharing! I hope you, the hubs and Reese have a beautiful and blessed Christmas, my sweets! Lots of love and hugs your way! xoxoxo
Kendra @ A Proverbs 31 Wife says
I think what awes me the most is how Jesus essentially is God. In a sense he wasn’t asked to do this at all. So he voluntarily came down to take our place. So amazing!
Shelby says
Thank you! Have a very Merry Christmas.