What do you feel when thinking about your relationship to God? Fearful that He will judge you? Happy that He loves you? Unsure where you stand, and whether you have a place in the Kingdom of God?
When people are afraid they won’t be accepted, often they avoid contact. This especially happens when people consider getting to know God.
“Avoiding God” can range from keeping a dormant view that was handed to them (from someone else such as a person or an institution) all the way to simply believing there is no one there.
But in the middle of this sometimes complicated view, in the month of December, comes the celebration of Christmas.
Christmas reveals the joy that can come from meeting with God and getting to know his real nature. The Spirit of generosity and benevolence that we often call “The Spirit of Christmas” is actually the revelation of God’s love and wish to accept us.
Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace,
Good will toward men.
Jesus is the Reason We Celebrate
Jesus is “God With Us”, Immanuel.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
You can tell this is one of my favorite verses; it’s the second time I’ve quoted it this season. But it bears repeating, this invitation of Jesus is the very core of the message of Christmas!
Fear Not
Angels are God’s messengers, and throughout the Nativity story they repeat: “Fear not”. It is still said to us today… don’t be afraid to approach God, with faith, with prayers, in fellowship.
- Allow God to surprise you with the gift of reconciliation.
- Receive joy as you become more aware that you are loved by your Creator.
- Believe that Jesus Christ came to give you life, hope, and purpose.
For more thoughts on the celebration of this season, and discovering more of the good news that God has made a way for us to know Him, and understand the great love He has for us… explore these posts.
Devotionals for Day 16
- In 2006, The Jesse Tree was a new idea to me, and became the topic for Day 16 of Advent that year.
- The Virgin Mary contemplations for this day.
- Olives and their symbolism were the subject for 2008
- God’s Promises for Day 16: He Loves You from year 2009
- What can a hat tell you about Christmas? You might be surprised. 2009
- Habakkuk’s Watch in 2011’s journey through the Jesse Tree symbols.
Today’s Time of Sharing
[su_box title=”Practice With Each Other” style=”default” box_color=”#8ba9bd” title_color=”#000000″ radius=”3″ class=””]Christ came down as a baby,
lived life with all our weaknesses and difficulties so that we could meet God face to face. How well do we know each other in our churches, in our families? Share something personal you would like others to know about you today, Listen to what they share with you.[/su_box]
