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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Joy of Christmas

Last Saturday my Pastor called me and asked me to read a passage from Isaiah for our Christmas Service. At first I was so apprehensive and hesitant but I figured there was a reason and I want to be obedient so I said ok I will.

See, my Servant will act wisely, He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. Isaiah 52:13

I've been struggling with Christmas this year. I love this Holiday, but I have not been able to get in to the spirit of Christmas. Like I said it's only been two weeks so peace on earth and good will towards men kinda got tossed out the window for "I have to get the laundry done, be gentle with daddy and I can't believe you peed on me?!?!"

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and familiar with suffering. Isaiah 53:3

In my quiet times God has been showing me and directing my thoughts to what Christmas should be about. Of course I already knew but I needed a reminder.

But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5

It's about Jesus. He was born to die. After He was born, we could live with hope, with peace. The baby that slept so peacefull was born to die for me. He didn't say a word as they beat Him, He carried all of our sins so we could live.

Christmas is about Jesus, everything else is just life trying to get in the way.

I encourage you, if only for a moment, think about what Jesus did for you this past year then say a prayer of thanks. I know He will like that for His birthday.



She will give birth to a son, and she will give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You made me laugh and you made me think. Nothing should take the place or get in the way of what Jesus did for us. Those scriptures are so familiar to us - we need to make sure we don't just quickly read over them. We need to read, ponder and understand what Jesus did. Thanks for this great post!

Phather Phil Malmstrom said...

A very poignant reminder of our responsibility to look beyond our own earthly lives and give thanks for God's Amazing Gift to us; the Holy Birth of Our Savior. Thank you for this wonderful post, and have a Blessed Day!

Kelli said...

I recently attended my girls school Christmas musical. They showed a picture of the hay in the manger and in the shadow was a cross. The cross towered over the hay and I thought to myself, "that is what everything is about!" God bridging the gap between heaven and earth when Jesus was born. Living a sinful life and setting an example for us. I still cant get over the fact that Jesus was born for the sole purpose of saving our sinful necks...He gave up all his divine privileges to become a man. WOW, can you tell I was crying all because of a picture!? With all the hustling around its easy to lose focus. I have to be very intentional everyday about keeping Jesus the reason for the season! Love ya!

Kelli said...

OH NO! I meant living a SIN LESS LIFE---ugh..

Mandy said...

@ Kelli - It's ok I knew what you meant ;-D Love ya right back! That picture sounds awesome and if it made you cry that means Jesus touched your heart so tears are good! :-)

Heidi said...

This is so true... "Christmas is about Jesus, everything else is just life trying to get in the way." Life sure does get in the way, that's for sure and we have to be very intentional about shoving it back out of the way to keep Jesus in front of it all. That scripture in Isaiah says it all, our greatest gift! Thank you!

Jenifer Metzger said...

Great post! You made me laugh so hard! :)


CHRISTmas is all about Christ! I want to worship Him not gifts, lights, trees, cookies or anything else. Thank you for this great reminder.