Luke 1:68

New International Version (NIV)

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,
because he has come to his people and redeemed them.

For meditation

He was a big winner in the Christmas story. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was the manifestation of God’s messianic promise to Israel (Lk. 2:7). Six months before this virgin birth, another boy was born to a priestly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were childless and well advanced in years, but the angel Gabriel surprised Zechariah one day with a promise of the conception and birth of a son he should name John (Lk. 1:11-13). Joy filled Zechariah’s house when the baby was born, and their neighbors came to share with them (57-58). However, when Zechariah joined the party at the naming ceremony, his focus was strangely fixed on something larger than his blessing with John in his old age. His joy, and the theme of his song of praise, was more of God’s visitation to His people and the dawning of Israel’s redemption (68). It was not about his personal gain alone. It was more about God and His unfolding redemption plan for the world.

That is the spirit of Christmas. It is the celebration of Immanuel, God incarnate and with mankind (Matt. 1:23; Jn. 1:14). The birth of Christ is a divine gift, not only to a few individuals, but to the entire world (Titus 2:11). Of course, we receive the gift of life in Christ individually (12-13), but the true celebration of His birth should focus more on salvation of souls – the reconciliation of many to God (2 Cor. 5:18-19). That is real peace, which only Christ brings, and the joy that accompanies it (Rm. 5:1).

1. How do you plan to celebrate Christmas this year?
2. Is your focus more on the gifts you will give and receive from your loved ones?
3. What is the reason for the festivities and the celebration this season?
4. As you attend all the planned services during this period, what is the theme for your praise to God?
5. Do you see the situation of the people around you, and the condition of their souls as important as yours in Christ?

I pray that this Christmas, you will see beyond your own salvation and the promise of heaven in Christ, and be burdened by the brokenness and depravity around you.

So: May this burden move you to lovingly share the Gospel message in the Christmas story with others this season; and may you become a blessing to many, for the glory of God the Father in Christ Jesus.

Christmas is more than the gifts we receive. It is a message of salvation in Jesus.

Shalom