The Reason

 

I was lying awake the other night, thinking about the busyness of the season we are in and I was reminded that people would say to remember the reason for the season.  We would normally say that Jesus is the reason for the season and that we should not get caught up in the tinsel and lights and forget all about Him.  But, during all that thinking, it was like the Holy Spirit was saying that we - you and me - are the reason for the season.  In God’s eyes, we are the reason.  We are why Jesus was born.  

John 3:16-17 NKJV - 6 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.

God looked from Heaven and saw His man Adam in trouble, and He knew he wouldn’t be able to escape the mess he got himself into, by himself.  He didn’t even know he was in trouble.  God also knew that there was no one on earth able to save Adam and his descendants and that the only way to rescue them was to do it Himself.  So, He became a man for us - for you and me, for all who would freely receive Him.  He humbled Himself and became human flesh.  He became a part of His own creation - an innocent baby born in a manger.

In coming to the earth, being born as a human baby and then dying on our behalf, He made it about us, He came for us.  If you are feeling that this year has been too hard and that you are forgotten by God and others or that God doesn’t see you, remember that God was willing to give His most precious gift in the person of His only begotten Son.  He gave Him for you and for me.  And even though we didn't look like we were worth it, He did it anyway.  He pursued us.  He gave His son, to gain us all.  His gift is free, His gift is precious, His gift is all about us.  We are precious and so loved by God.  We should take the time to let that really sink in today.

Luke 2:8-14 NKJV - 8 Shepherds were in the fields near Bethlehem. They were taking turns watching their flock during the night. 9 An angel from the Lord suddenly appeared to them. The glory of the Lord filled the area with light, and they were terrified. 10 The angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid! I have good news for you, a message that will fill everyone with joy. 11 Today your Savior, Christ the Lord, was born in David’s city. 12 This is how you will recognize him: You will find an infant wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly, a large army of angels appeared with the angel. They were praising God by saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those who have his good will!”

We normally have bright sunny days over Christmas, but so far this December, it has been a lot of cloudy, overcast, bleak days.  We would find ourselves saying that we wish the sun would come out.  One day the Holy Spirit reminded me that the sun is out, but the clouds are blocking the bright, sunny rays.  We are going through a really difficult time right now as a family and at times it feels like the Son is nowhere to be seen, even though He is right here.  It is then that I remember how He promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  It is up to us not to focus on the dark clouds but on Him. We need to magnify Him and not allow our loss and sadness to overwhelm us.  It doesn’t mean it is not real and not difficult, but in magnifying Him, He can help us, comfort us and give us His peace and His rest.  The focus should be on the One who gave His all for us.

I started off by saying that He made us the reason for the season, but for us it should be all about Him.  Without Him we have no purpose, no reason to be here, no future to look forward to.  He should be our all in all, because He is.

As we celebrate Christmas this year, let's hold our loved ones close.  If you miss a loved one whose chair is empty, remember that they are “Home” with Jesus and that they are seeing Christmas from a whole different perspective this year.  They are with the “Birthday Boy” himself.  Our family also have a new little one in a baby chair this year and we are looking forward to the joys that can only be seen through the eyes of a child.    

May I wish you a very Blessed Christmas and a 2026 that is filled with His Presence which is the only place from which can come real joy and real peace.

Happy Birthday to our only Lord, Jesus!

Is 9:6-7 NKJV -
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.