Feb 07, 2011 Heart Ponderings on the Christmas Child
Originally posted on December 16, 2004
At the birth of Jesus, Mary could hardly take in what had happened and what was being said of Him. She was the first, and only, woman in history to give birth while still a virgin. The angel of the Lord had made a pronouncement to her about Jesus being the Son of God, and shepherds had come telling of their angelic encounter as well. Now she is looking at the baby boy she has just delivered and wondering what is next. Do you really nurse the Son of God?
Along with being a good mother and feeding her baby, the Bible tells us that Mary took in all the events and prophecies surrounding the birth of Jesus and “treasured them, pondering them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) She kept thinking of Jesus in ways that no other mother had thought of her child before.
What Mary did is what we should do at Christmas. We should take time this Christmas to consider the greatness of Jesus, treasuring the unique characteristics of Him, pondering them in our hearts, and turning them into words of praise, comfort, and commitment.
Jesus Christ is the final Word of God.
“Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. But now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he made the universe and everything in it. ” (Hebrews 1:1-2)
This Christmas, pay attention to Jesus by reading, believing, and obeying His word.
Jesus Christ is our Rest.
“So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God. For all who enter into God’s rest will find rest from their labors, just as God rested after creating the world. Let us do our best to enter that place of rest.” (Hebrews 4:9-11a)
This Christmas, stop depending on your own righteous deeds and start trusting in Christ alone to cleanse your soul and make you right with God.
Jesus Christ is our Priest, representing us to God.
“That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” (Hebrews 4:14, 16)
This Christmas, take your soul needs to God. Draw near to Him in prayer to find mercy and grace.
Jesus Christ is the Pacesetter of our faith.
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God’s throne in heaven.” (Hebrews 12:2)
This Christmas, when you face a hardship, turn the eyes of your soul to Jesus and follow Him.
Jesus Christ is the Center of our Community.
“Think of ways to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of his coming back again is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
This Christmas, make sure you spend time with others in worship, prayer, and fellowship.
Jesus Christ is our Brother.
“So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.” (Hebrews 2:11)
This Christmas, make the conscious effort to talk to Jesus as one who is real, personal, and present in your daily life.
Jesus Christ is Constant.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
This Christmas, remember that the same Christ who miraculously came into the world, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for your sins, and rose from the dead, is alive. Today He is loving you and calling you to follow Him.
Merry Thoughts of Christ,
Pastor Scott