What if the Christ Child Was Born into YOUR Family?
Scripture reveals how the birth of Christ upended the lives of many. Mary prayed to the Father when told she would be the mother of the Savior, “I am yours body and soul; let it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38). She did not consider her life or her body her own but gave full rights to God. Joseph’s plans were overturned with another angel’s visit, so he reversed his decision to end his engagement to Mary and instead “he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24). The shepherds heard Christ the Lord was born and “hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby.” (Luke 2:16). They left their responsibilities at work in order to worship. The new baby, God’s son, entered into the lives of Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds and became their priority.
Christ enters into the life of those who place their faith in him for salvation. This faith can and should change the common order of their lives. At Christmas time we have an opportunity to celebrate what Christ has done for us by ushering in the birth of the Christ child, in some ways like we welcome a newborn into our home. Bringing home a newborn would demand our full attention, time and love. Responding to the grace of Christ in our life should do the same.
What would it look like to welcome the Christ child into your home and life this Christmas? The days and weeks leading up to Christmas can bring simplicity, focused worship, and an overhaul of all priorities around Christ.
Here are some ideas that can get you started:
1. Read the Christmas narrative in Matthew and Luke and as you do so meditate on Adoring God for who he shows himself to be; Confessing how you are not what you were created to be; Thanking Jesus for being born as a man and living the life you could not and dying to pay your penalty; and finally Asking God to practically work his righteousness into your life.
2. Take extra time just to be with Jesus; pray to be warmed with a new affection for him.
3. Give up a few holiday activities to allow room for the simplicity that would be true of life if you had just had a baby.
4. Look around you and notice who needs to know about the coming of Christ. Welcome them into your life this season and give them a glimpse of Jesus.
5. Give the gift of humbling yourself and serving others as Christ humbled himself and served.
May you find this Christmas season to be one where Christ slows you down to worship Him alone. You will find Him to be a “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
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