Don\'t Leave Jesus in the Manger this Christmas

We live in a culture that gives us metrics in measuring what makes a “successful” Christmas. Those metrics, aside from them busying our lives and misdirecting our intentions, often make us feel shame and discouragement if we don’t reach them. They are idealistic and seek a happily ever after script, promising us that if we just buy “this gift” or have “this meal” or go to “this party”, then and only then can we sing with authenticity, “It’s Most Wonderful Time of the Year”. If you are filling yourself with those ideas only, you will likely reach January 1st, 2023 frustrated, in debt and confused why you still feel empty.

How do we find true peace in this season amidst the jingle-belling of our culture which presents us a fleeting notion of busybody happiness? What about the hard circumstances that come amongst all the wrapped gifts under the Christmas tree? How are we to navigate the complex family emotions that seem to fall upon us during this season? Most importantly, how much time reflecting on Jesus is sufficient to keep him the center of our Christmas?

Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from ALL my fears. Those who look to him are radiant with joy, their faces will never be ashamed.”

Being radiant AND joyful AND confident in a 2022 American Christmas context are lofty season goals and yet our God richly provides these things as we seek him in prayer and ponder his nature.
Simply put, we need to return to what we know about Jesus.

The Bible tells us in John 1:14 that “Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us”. Jesus came to live with us and ultimately die for our sins on the cross. We had a sin problem that we could not solve on our own and the Son of God incarnated among us as grace and truth to be our Savior. These truths are the very foundation of our Christian faith. We proclaim them, cherish them and are in need of the lavishing of grace that comes from Jesus Christ.

Yet I think we are tempted during holidays, ironically most-so at Christmas, to functionally leave Mary, Joseph and Jesus at the manger. We go about our days relying on ourselves, our culture demanding of us the “perfect Christmas” with nothing more than our own limited power and short-sighted goals leading the way. Let me suggest to you that the Savior who came to earth to dwell with us, longs to personally touch all areas of our day-to-day heartache, struggle, and loneliness.

Jesus loves for us to bring him our schedules and full to-do lists and ask Him to lead us in every season.  Jesus also modeled to us how to accomplish this. He was dependent on His Father in heaven. John 5:19 says, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does the Son likewise does these things. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing and he will show him greater works than these so that you will be amazed.” The Jesus born to us in a lowly manger grew up to become our gentle Good Shepherd, eager to approach all parts of our lives.

It may be obvious, but we all could benefit from slowing down and reflecting again on what God has done for us in His Son. The God-King of the Universe made his dwelling among us to show His love and compassion for us.

So, as we seek to be patient with our feelings and follow the truths we know are right and good, we can embrace dying to ourselves and our own expectations while joyfully letting go of the expectations the world places on us. God, in his rich mercy, has brought us his ultimate peace in his Son. As we celebrate this Advent season, let us remember that His Spirit continues to dwell among us and in us through all of lists, our traditions, our parties and presents. For in our midst, we marvel at the majesty of our King Jesus.  

 
In His Grip,