We’ve reached the end of the countdown to Christmas and the finale of the Twelve Days of Blogmas!! If you’ve been along for the journey since the beginning, I am very humbled and grateful to you. If you’ve joined the countdown on the last day, thank you for pausing to read my little blog.
Today is Christmas Eve–at least in the Western Hemisphere–and many people will be home with their friends and families. In fact, several coworkers of mine are away this week to spend this precious season with those they love most. We all long for fellowship and connection with others, sometimes searching for it in other places when we don’t even realize it’s right in front of us. God blesses us with these relationships–however lengthy or fleeting–to teach us about Himself. Through the kindness of a stranger or a friend’s extra effort to be helpful, God’s character is reflected in His creation.
It’s difficult for me to put into words how special this time of year is to me, but with the Holy Spirit’s direction I’ll try! Christmas is not simply about presents or parties, decorations or food. Christians celebrate Christmas as the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; however, too often we stop there at the manger scene. While it is important to recognize the central part of the celebration we call Christmas, it is equally important to remember the purpose of Christ’s birth: to die for your sins and mine.
I understand it is difficult to picture that the Baby of the Nativity would one day be crucified; however, that is the reality of what happened. Faith is believing something even when circumstances contradict its possibility. As I stated at the beginning of the 12 Days of Blogmas, the Advent theme of hope is intertwined with faith. This hope through faith brings the peace everyone so longs for. Because we have this peace from Jesus, we are free to express limitless joy, even in the most challenging of circumstances. Learning more about our Heavenly Father fills us with a love towards God and others that would have otherwise been impossible. These four themes of Advent help keep us in remembrance of the message of Christmas, and encourage us not to give up seeking God in every situation. As evidenced by the birth of Christ, God keeps the promises He makes to His children.
Whether you are experiencing a snowy white Christmas or a warm and sunny one, know that Jesus’ work on the cross cleans us from all our sins which “are like scarlet” and makes them “as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18 NKJV). Just as the snow is pure and clean, Christ’s substitutionary death and resurrection purifies us. When we accept Jesus as our personal Savior and Lord of our life, He covers us with His amazing grace and forgiveness, giving us a fresh start like a new year.
I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing my heart for Christmas through this Blogmas event. It’s been a while since I’ve been this consistent with writing–except for academic purposes–so I hope you’ve enjoyed this as much as I have. I pray most of all that your life has been touched by the hope, peace, joy, and love of Christ, and that you will continue to seek His will for your life. I am happy to answer any questions you may have concerning faith in Jesus Christ, so please comment if you feel comfortable doing so.
Praying you have the BEST Christmas you’ve ever had, and that this New Year will bring tremendous blessings wherever you are in the journey of life. Jesus loves you so very much, friend. Merry Christmas!!! ❤️💚
Books, Coffee, and Jesus 