Jesus Deserves More Than Milk and Cookies
What are you giving Jesus this Christmas?
Christmas is less than two weeks away! You have trimmed the tree, purchased the presents, and made all the plans. You know who is getting what presents and where you will be on Christmas Day. However, do you know what you are giving to the greatest person on your list - Jesus the Christ? After all, he is the reason we celebrate this holiday. He is God incarnate - God with us! Without him, there would be no Christmas!
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. — John 1:14 NIV
A tradition many families observe is Santa Claus. If you have let your children believe in Santa, they probably have left a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for the “jolly old elf” to enjoy. Of course, it is mom or dad who consumes this fattening treat. If you really think about it, it seems kind of an insult to just give Santa only a snack when he leaves multi-dollar gifts under the tree! Shouldn't Santa receive more than milk and cookies?
However, it can be a much greater insult to Jesus in what we often give him for Christmas! Think about who he is and what he has given to us. There is not enough room in this post to consider the implications of the Word becoming flesh, but here are a few truths.
Jesus is the creator and sustainer of the entire universe.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities- all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and by him all things hold together. -- Colossians 1:15-17 CSB
Jesus gave up heaven for us!
Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited. Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death- even to death on a cross. -- Philippians 2:5-8 CSB
Jesus died on the cross so that we might truly live.
He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. -- Romans 4:25 NLT
Jesus delivered us from the domain of sin and darkness.
He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. -- Colossians 1:13-14 CSB
Christ did all the above and much more – for us! How then can we thank him? How can we give back to him this Christmas? Here are some thoughts to ponder.
Four ways to express praise and thanksgiving to Jesus:
1. Commit to focusing on Jesus this Christmas by starting every day with prayer to center your heart.
2. Commit to worshipping him. Not only attend worship at your church, but spend time in private worship every day.
3. Commit to pausing throughout your day, breathe a deep breath, and then silently praise Jesus for what he has done in your life.
4. Commit to making a gratitude list: make a list of what Christ has done in your life.
Four questions for reflection:
1. What are some tangible ways I can show Jesus my love this Christmas?
2. To add freshness to this Christmas season, how can I worship Christ in a different way this year?
3. Are there organizations or events where I can serve Christ by serving others this Christmas?
4. How can I show other people the love of Christ?
May you enjoy rich blessings and become a blessing to others this Christmas!