Advent Reflection: 22nd December - Rebecca Withers

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 usSo Jesus You brought heaven downMy sin was great Your love was greaterWhat 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