Countless twinkling lights of brilliant colors illuminate the homes, parks, downtown areas, and even the ocean boardwalk of my coastal town. Day and night, there are more holiday activities than one person could take part. A Christmas wave of energy and excitement is peaking with last-minute shoppers, frenzied parents, and restless children.
Amid the countdown-to-Christmas mania, let’s pause and ponder the purpose of Christmas: Jesus left the glory of heaven to enter the mess of this world.
Why Would Jesus Enter Our Mess?
What could compel the son of God to become one of us and join a world consumed with its own agenda? A world where he was not invited. A world that made no room for him.
Jesus was motivated by a selfless love that longed to draw people to himself as the true source of life, peace, and joy. A love so deep that it carried the weight of the world’s sin to the cross.
The Greatest Christmas Gift
Jesus suffered a combination of physical and spiritual pain beyond that of any man in history. And he did it alone—a Holy God could not look upon his Son stained with our sin.
Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross of Calvary, we never have to be apart from God’s presence. In our broken, sinful state, we are forgiven, loved, redeemed, and adopted as children of God.
“But when the set time has fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
Galatians 4:4-5
There is no greater Christmas gift than Jesus. He is Advent’s Hope. He is our Living Hope.
Unwrapping Advent
The word “advent” derives from the Latin root “adventus,” meaning a “coming” or “arrival”. The miraculous coming of the Christ child marked the most significant “adventus” this world has known.
Even against the background of a broken world, Christians have far-reaching reasons to celebrate.
Because Jesus entered our mess . . .
- We live differently. We have Hope that is certain, steadfast, everlasting. Not a wishful or positive-thinking kind of hope, but a powerful “Living Hope,” anchored in a resurrected Savior.
“Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.”
Psalm 62:5-6
- We experience intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit. As our Advocate, Counselor, and Comforter, the Holy Spirit carries on the work of Jesus and makes him ever-present to us.
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”
John 14:16
- We know God is at work in every situation. We can cast all our cares on him because he will never abandon us.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:35, 37-39
- We believe God will erase all suffering and pain. Jesus will come again as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The story isn’t over until Jesus writes the last triumphant line.
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelations 21:3-4
We Need a Savior
In our lives, each of us has been caught up in a mess that was marked by the struggle, regret, or pain it caused. Perhaps we acted foolishly or spoke careless words. Perhaps we fell short of saying or doing what was needed. Or maybe we were the victims of another’s recklessness.
If only a supportive and capable friend would have reached in to unravel and clean-up our mess. Someone courageous and strong. Someone willing to “get dirty.” Someone who would mediate for us. Someone with wisdom, compassion, and mercy.
Oh, how we would cherish a friend like that!
Isn’t that what Jesus did for the sake of our fallen world? Even better, for the sake of our own salvation? On a global and personal scale, he is the Light that has entered the world to defeat the power of darkness.
The Heart of Christmas
All of this season’s preparations, decorations, and celebrations arise from a lowly manger. From that humble start, humanity received its greatest gift, a baby—Emmanuel—“God with us.”
God entered our mess to enable us to rise above the fray and live meaningful lives as part of his family. It is a gift with such fullness and depth that we will unwrap its riches from the time we become God’s children unto all the days of eternity. That is a reason to celebrate!
If you have accepted this gift, cherish it as the most costly and precious gift you’ll ever receive. If you have not, make this the Christmas that you receive the gift of adoption into God’s family through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice for you.
My Scriptural Prayer for You This Christmas
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may he make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. For he has saved you and called you to a holy life – not because of anything you have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to you in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Numbers 6:24-26, 2 Timothy 1: 9-10, 2 Corinthians 9:15
Your Turn
How can you make sure the fervor of this holiday season doesn’t overshadow Jesus—your Greatest Gift? Prayerfully identify practices that recenter your focus on the One who is the reason for your celebration.
What are your favorite Advent resources and practices? I’d love to hear about them! Share them below or drop me a line at Cheryl@GodintheMess.com. Thank you and enjoy a very . . .
Resources and References
Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie
25 Scriptures to Pray to Prepare Your Heart for Christmas by Jenn Soehnlin
Where is God? by Cheryl Liberatore
