A very Merry Christmas to all at Eastgate Union and beyond!
May God be with you as we celebrate His love and light entering our world in the flesh, through His beautiful Son Jesus Christ, who remains with us now through His Spirit.
What an indescribable gift: the chance to live and love, fully and freely, because God sent His Son into the world to save us. And born a baby in humble circumstances! This is the gracious, gentle Prince of Peace that we serve.
'While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.'
(Luke 2: 6-7, NIV)
Of course, I can’t find words wonderful enough to capture what it means for us to know Jesus and His promises. No one can. My hope is that, this festive season, we all pause to reflect on the true depths of this gift from God, with hearts of gratitude and adoration.
'The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.' (John 1: 9, NIV)
At this time of year, we often talk about gifts, from the wise men bringing their treasures to Bethlehem; to Santa Claus stuffing the kids’ stockings! As Christians, we are always reminded to keep our eyes set on Jesus. To remember that He is the reason we are celebrating - that He and His grace is our greatest gift.
Yet even when we know this truth, it isn’t always easy to feel full of joy at Christmas. Sometimes, we’re going through a hard time - sickness, missing loved ones, or life not turning out as we expected. Some Christmases may seem brighter than others, as life is so full of ups and downs that it can be hard to see past.
But while life can change, for better or worse, from one Christmas (and indeed, moment) to the next - God never changes. His gift of Jesus never changes.
‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.’ (James 1: 17-18, NIV)
No matter our circumstances, at Christmas or any other time, Jesus never stops being our light, our joy, our hope and our peace.
Jesus is our constant. He never leaves us. He is Immanuel, by our sides through everything. And that’s why Christmas is joyful, no matter what, because the true Gift Whom we celebrate is Joy beyond our circumstances.
'I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.' (John 15: 11, NIV)
'And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.' (Philippians 4: 7, NIV)
If you’re faced with a Christmas you didn’t expect this year, cling to the gift of our unchanging Lord: his constant, shining light that never goes out. That, we can rejoice in and lean on.
Whatever happens in your life on earth this Christmas, choose the heavenly perspective. Rejoice in our eternal source of hope and love that we can always, always treasure. Anchor your hearts to the truth of Christmas, the truth of Jesus uniting us with God, and let that be your joy - as He is year round, so He is at Christmas. For He, alone, is worth celebrating.
'I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.'
(John 17: 26, NIV)
Remember, when Christmas isn’t “perfect”, God and His love is.
Have a joyful Christmas, everyone! Whatever your day looks like, I pray that you feel the ever-present light of Jesus shine upon you, as you celebrate God’s unchanging grace and love.
Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, whose presence remains with us always. Thank you that ‘The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us’ (John 1:14) to save us and show us your close, personal love for us. Thank you that your love and plans for us are higher than our personal circumstances, and that we have something to praise and celebrate each and every day because you are so wonderful and good.
Merry Christmas everyone! Kim x
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