Is Christmas frustrating you? You don’t have all the ingredients you need for your cookies. Your gift list still has items that need to be purchased. And that one string of lights that doesn’t work bugs you every time you look at your tree.
Just a couple days left, and you know the parking lots will be congested, the stores will be crowded, and long lines will be the norm at the checkout counters.
Where is the joy? Where is the spirit of helpfulness and giving? Where is the peace?
You might be inclined to believe that the Grinch (the devil) has stolen your Christmas. You might even feel guilty because you let him.
That’s a misconception. The joyful words of God’s angels are as true now as when they were first spoken: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
“A Savior has been born to you.” Think about what that means.
“A Savior has been born to you.” He is the Savior from the chaos, from the Grinch, and from your guilt.
“A Savior has been born to you.” He is the Savior who gives forgiveness from all sin. The Savior who gives peace with God. The Savior who gives eternal life in heaven.
“A Savior has been born to you.” He is the Savior who has lived for you, suffered and died for you.
We’ve called the devil the Grinch. Actually, he’s even much worse. He is real and so is the unending pain of hell. But the Savior who is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6b) makes the difference.
This Savior is Jesus! He is the babe lying in a manger. He came to take your place so you may enjoy his place — heaven.
You have wonderful opportunities this week to learn more about him. Take advantage of them.
Pastor
