Every day in Advent 2016 we will be sharing short reflections from authors, Christian charities and Eden team members.
Christmas can be such a hectic time! There is so much going on and so much to think about. Writing tons of Christmas cards, decorating the house, getting the perfect presents, buying and trying to consume your body weight in food, finding the perfect Christmas jumper and that’s just the start! But sometimes we can get so bogged down by all of the preparations, traditions and festivities that we can forget the most important part. We forget that at the centre of Christmas is the fact that Jesus came down to earth. This is the true meaning of Christmas A song that, although isn’t a Christmas song, I feel sums up perfectly the reason for Christmas, is ‘What a Beautiful Name’ by Hillsong Worship. Verse 2 explains why God sent Jesus: ‘You didn’t want heaven without us God loved us so much that He sent His Only Son Jesus, to be born as a baby, to save the world. He came so that He could take away our sin. To be the sacrifice for us all. In Luke 2.11-12, the angels tell the Shepherds, “Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” So often, this is the image that we think of at Christmas. The beautiful, peaceful Nativity scene of the baby Jesus, who according to ‘Away in a Manger’ doesn’t even cry, surrounded by Shepherds, Angels, Wise Men and an array of farm animals. Although this image is a common one, I feel like it misses the point. Jesus did not simply come to earth. He came with a purpose and if we stop at His birth, then we miss this purpose altogether. Jesus came, ultimately to die. He was sacrificed for our sins, the things we have done wrong, so that we could have eternal life and a full relationship with God. God loved us enough to send His son for us. So when you spend time reflecting on Jesus’ birth, let’s not forget that is was just the start. From a baby born in a stable, He grew to be a man who although innocent, was crucified. But He did not stay dead. He was raised to life again. ‘Death could not hold You The veil tore before You You silence the boast of sin and grave The heavens are roaring The praise of Your glory For You are raised to life again You have no rival You have no equal Now and forever God You reign Yours is the kingdom Yours is the glory Yours is the Name above all names What a powerful Name it is The Name of Jesus’ What a Beautiful Name (Hillsong Worship, 2016)
So Jesus You brought heaven down
My sin was great Your love was greater
What could separate us now’
December 22nd, 2016 - Posted & Written by The Editor
Did you find this comment useful?