Luke 1:45

New International Version (NIV)

Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!

For Meditation

All disputes about date aside, Christmas is a special day all over the world. It is a day of joy and celebration – the day God became human and lived among us. It is the day God gave the world a special gift in His only Son for our redemption and reconciliation to Him. It is the day God initiated His eternal plan to make peace with sinful humans. It is the day God’s light shined in this world to dispel its darkness. It is the day the life of God manifested to trump and replace death that had tormented humanity since Eden. In spite of all these great truths that make Christmas what it really is and very special, many do not believe the message it carries. They like the occasion, but they frown on its meaning. They enjoy the atmosphere and the songs and the idea of love and the sharing of gifts, but they cannot receive the best gift ever from God, nor can they reciprocate by giving their hearts to Him.

It is a sickness called unbelief, which is sin and caused by the god of this age. It attacks the human heart, hardens it with lies that exalts the self, and shrouds the mind in pitch darkness, “so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Cor. 4:4). Nonetheless, the light of God continues to shine, and it gives life to all who believe the Christmas message (Jn. 3:16), as their faith receives the grace of God for salvation in Christ (Eph. 2:8-9).

Have you noticed that Christmas is the brightest day in the entire year? Some wise men saw the light from a distant country and went after it with their gifts (Matt. 2:1-13). They were wise because they believed the Christmas message prompted by a star (2). Elizabeth told Mary, “Blessed is she who had believed that the Lord will fulfill His promises to her” (Lk. 1:45); and He did, on Christmas Day (Lk. 2:7).

1. Do you believe the Christmas message?
2. Can you open your ears and listen to it again?
3. Will you open your eyes to see the image of God in the face of the Christmas Baby – Christ Jesus our Savior?
4. Can you open your heart to receive this truth that brings eternal life?
5. Will you surrender your life to Jesus as your gift to Him this Christmas?

I pray that you bring your unbelief to the feet of Jesus and allow Him to heal you by His grace through faith.

So: May you enjoy the best Christmas of your life this year; and may Christ delight in the gift you bring Him – your heart, soul, mind, and strength – and bless you.

The Christmas message is for your salvation. Embrace it!

Shalom