I’ve been thinking about how Christmas comes upon us making things new year after year throughout generations. Whether it’s celebrated with Santa Claus or Jesus or both. I grew up with both influences. Santa made sure nobody went without a gift – every boy and girl all around the world would receive a gift – a nice one – or coal. The whole naughty or nice thing really puts pressure on kids to behave and control themselves as parents feel the pressure to get everything done in time for Christmas. And then there’s Jesus – there he is, lying in a manger – just given to the entire world because God loves us.

It’s amazing what God has given us, this gift of precious love, living for us. The angelic messenger told Mary her baby would be named Jesus because he would save people from their sins.

Amazing, isn’t it this free offer of being saved from sin.

Being saved from sin makes us new creations. What better gift could anyone want? Isaiah 43 announces the gift of the savior and it might surprise some people to know that verse 10 reads:

You are my witnesses, declares the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.

Verse 11 continues “I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no savior.”

And on Christmas – this is the God we celebrate – His name is Jesus – the same God written about in Isaiah 43. Jesus not apart from God, but God given flesh, in Spirit and Truth.

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:19

See, the baby Jesus, lying in a manger, born for me and for you, over 2000 years ago. Perceive him! Receive Him! Take his birth personally this year and allow him to make you new by saving you from your sins. Allow him to blot out your transgressions, for his sake and forget your sins forever. Though you might remember them, you can know that he has blotted them out and you are forgiven. Through the new spirit he gives you, you will find yourselves able to forgive yourself and truly repent.
Amazing! What God’s love and birth has done for so many and can do for so many more.

The Birth of Love is a wonderful gift to celebrate and remember year after year.

Let us pray:
God, thank you for your Word, for your Love, for your Self, for Jesus, for coming to earth to save and forgive us. We perceive you and receive now. Lead us and guide us in your ways and save us from our sins so we may glorify you in our generation. AMEN