Advent Reflection: 22nd December - Rebecca Withers

Posted by The Editor  ·  1 visitor comment

Every day in Advent 2016 we will be sharing short reflections from authors, Christian charities and Eden team members.

Advent Devotional w.out CTA

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
So Jesus You brought heaven down
My sin was great Your love was greater
What could separate us now’

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)

Rebecca is a customer service advisor and started working at Eden is September. She lives with her parents on the Wirral and typically spends her day listening to as much music as possible. She is known by her friends as the one with a playlist for every occasion, and can be found @rebwithers
22nd December

December 22nd, 2016 - Posted & Written by The Editor

Thumbs Down 0
Thumbs Up 0

Did you find this article useful?

1 Visitor Comment

Join in the Eden community and comment on this article

Angela Parsons

Angela Parsons

Posts: 1

Brilliant, love it xx

Thursday, 22nd December 2016 at 9:30AM

Reply to this comment

0 Thumbs Down
0 Thumbs Up

Did you find this comment useful?

Leave A Comment

Leave your comments or suggestions in regards to this article.

Please login to post a comment.
Most Popular Articles
Prayer Books Every Christian Should Read
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Lent Bible Study Guides 2024
Posted on Monday 15th of January
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
When is Easter 2024?
Posted on Friday 5th of January
Christian Christmas Cards
Posted on Friday 20th of October
Prayer Books Every Christian Should Read
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Lent Bible Study Guides 2024
Posted on Monday 15th of January
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
When is Easter 2024?
Posted on Friday 5th of January
Christian Christmas Cards
Posted on Friday 20th of October
LENT COURSES - How to choose the right one for you
Posted on Monday 15th of January
New Advent Study Guides
Posted on Monday 16th of October
Where to Watch the New C.S. Lewis Film
Posted on Thursday 12th of May
Free Christian Resources for Children
Posted on Friday 1st of May
The Eden Bible Guide series
Posted on Monday 17th of February
Recent Article Comments

Nia Wright has made 0 posts.

34 useful comments

A Reader has made 70 posts.

28 useful comments

Les Ellison has made 44 posts.

11 useful comments

James Warwood has made 4 posts.

9 useful comments

Lyn Myers has made 5 posts.

8 useful comments

Last updated: 4 hrs12 mins ago