Can you believe that Christmas is next week? There has been so much change and uncertainty this year, but Jesus has been here the whole time. Jesus is still the reason for the season. Jesus’ birth is still worthy of being celebrated and celebrated by all.
We read in Luke 2:10-12, “In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.’” Did you read that? The angel told the shepherds that the good news was for all of the people.
In the book of Matthew, we read about the wise men who went to see Jesus. Matthew 2: 9-11 says, “After hearing the king, they went on their way. And there it was—the star they had seen at its rising. It led them until it came and stopped above the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overwhelmed with joy. Entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling to their knees, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Some people refer to the wise men as kings or magi. Either way, they were the upper class of biblical times.
Jesus came for the lowly shepherds. Jesus came for the high-standing wise men. Jesus came for preschoolers. Jesus came for moms and He came for dads. I want to encourage you to embrace the fact that when Jesus was born, He was born for you and your family. There is no need to stress about having the picture-perfect Christmas that the world implies is so important. It’s ok if the presents aren’t perfectly wrapped. It’s ok if the Christmas cards don’t get sent out. It’s ok if there isn’t a new car in the driveway with a big red bow. Jesus is what makes Christmas perfect. As you and your family prepare for Christmas, remember Jesus! John 3:16 tells us, “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” God sent His son for you! God sent His son for your family. He wants to be the Lord of your life. He wants to have a personal relationship with you. So, on those busy days when you think that Christmas isn’t falling into place, remember that it already has.
Resources
For a complete Bible story worship experience with your child, please go to ministrygrid.lifeway.com and create or log in to your free account. Then follow this link for this week’s lesson: Jesus Was Born.