Merry Christmas
On Christmas, we celebrate the most beautiful gift ever given: the gift of redemption and restoration. God sent His Son to Earth to offer all of humanity the opportunity to know God's love personally. Jesus was born in the humblest of circumstances—a manger in a stable. He experienced life as we all do, with its ups and downs, good times and bad. Ultimately, His love for us was so profound that He sacrificed Himself to restore our ability to know God's love by paying the price for our sins. His sacrifice allows us to not only experience His love but also share it with others.
At Christmas, we are reminded of this love and gather with family and friends to celebrate it. While we often feel immense joy during this season as we exchange gifts and spend time with loved ones, there can also be sadness for those who are no longer with us or for those who feel particularly alone. Sometimes, the holiday season can be challenging due to feelings of loss or isolation. Whether you're feeling joyful, sorrowful, or a mix of both this year, it's okay to feel whatever you're feeling.
Remember, Jesus came not to make our lives perpetually joyful but to restore our ability to have a relationship with Him. This means that whether you're in the midst of life's storms or standing on a mountaintop, you can experience a peace that surpasses understanding. As Jesus said in John 16:32-33, "A time is coming, and has now come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone, yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
This holiday season, whether you're feeling sad or joyful, I hope you'll connect with the true meaning of Christmas and know that you're not alone. Hug a loved one, reach out to a friend, and most importantly, take some time to encounter Jesus. He is the reason for the season, and He loves you just as you are.