The Christmas story is rooted in the humanity of our Lord, Jesus Christ and the legacy He left us. Why was Jesus born? Why did he shed his heavenly comforts to come into this world and what does that mean for Christianity?
There is a Christian hymn sung by Matt Redman that beautifully encapsulates the life of Jesus:
You laid aside your majesty
Gave up everything for me.
Suffered at the hands of those that you created
You took all my guilt and shame
When you died and rose again
Now today you reign in heaven and earth exalted….
To me, that captures the ‘Jesus’ Story.’
Jesus had to come in flesh to deliver mankind from our shortcomings, our sins and failures. Jesus’ birth was a necessary birth.
The book of Isaiah, Chapter 9 verse offers an insight into a precious gift that is a consequence of Jesus’ humanity to us.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”
The Prince of Peace – That phrase is one ‘gift’ we can all be thankful for this Christmas season. The gift of Peace.
In the book of John, Chapter 14 verse 27, Jesus tells his disciples: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
Christmas is a time when there is much rushing around, often more busy-ness than is necessary, that we fall into the danger of overwork, over-indulgence and over-spending. We can become so agitated, trying to create the ‘perfect’ Christmas that we miss the true meaning of the season. But we can make this year different. We can be still, slow down and take time to rejoice and truly celebrate the person of Jesus - The Prince of Peace.
Have a very merry Christmas all!