What do you think of at Christmastime? Undoubtedly, if you’re a Christian, you’ll be thinking about the birth of Jesus. But there’s also the “stuff” of celebrating to consider: food to prepare, presents to purchase, and parties to plan.
These things are good, of course. But they can sometimes get in the way or take our focus off of Jesus. That’s why it’s important to remind ourselves every year that Christmas is not about us, or presents, or family feasts, but about Jesus. He is God’s anointed Son, of whom the Father spoke centuries before His birth, from the mouths of the Prophets and the praise of the Psalmists.
Psalm 2 is one such example, one that calls us to look at the Son in awe and reverence, the One to whom God said, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” (Psalm 2:7). This psalm gave its first hearers a day to look forward to, one where the Father would publicly announce Jesus as the one from above, the Bread that would come down from heaven to feed hungry souls and set captives free from their chains.
And that is what happened when Jesus came. In His incarnation, Jesus broke the chains of sin by bearing its punishment for us, established an everlasting Kingdom, and promised rest for our weary souls. This is the good news we celebrate at Christmas.
But not everyone welcomes Him with open arms. Some would just as soon keep the chains fastened and have Jesus dethroned. Like the rulers who surrounded Israel’s greatest human king, the world conspires and rages against the ruler of creation (Psalm 2:1-2). But this is the way humanity has been ever since the fall:
Today’s post is by Joel Littlefield, a pastor, author, and podcaster preparing to launch a church plant in Maine.
- Cain murdered Abel because Abel’s offering was acceptable in the eyes of God.
- The people jeered at Noah while he constructed the Ark that would rescue his family from the coming flood.
- Goliath mocked David, threatening death because the shepherd boy refused to bow his knee to the Philistines.
Today’s post is by Joel Littlefield, a pastor, author, and podcaster preparing to launch a church plant in Maine.
Thomas Costello says
This message couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Sometimes life gets to points unknown and I forget to realize the most important of reasons to have faith and give thanks. Than you and God Bless