How Has Your Christmas Changed?

Christmas was different this year.

Family members arrived on December 19th. We held our Christmas family dinner on the 20th, opened gifts on the 21st, and today, everyone but our youngest son will be in other locales. It feels a little strange, but I’m adjusting. I remember other Christmases where I wasn’t with the entire family. In college, I spent one Christmas with a friend and her family in Peoria, Illinois. Another time I made the decision to be with a boyfriend and his family on my week off (Bad decision). My television work out-of-state prevented me from coming home during another Christmas holiday. That’s why I’m sentimental about the song, I’ll Be Home for Christmas. I can remember times when being with family at Christmastime was only in my dreams.

What about you? Has your Christmas changed and evolved over the years?

Loved ones, like my grandmother, may have passed.

Children marry, and you have to share them with in-laws.

Grandchildren arrive, creating a livelier celebration.

Here’s what I know. While our Christmas circumstances may vary, the reason for Christmas never changes.

We celebrate the birth of Jesus because this baby, born humbly in a feeding trough, represents hope. The Son of God came into this world to be a sacrifice for our sins so we might live eternally with God. When Simeon, who had waited years for the birth of Jesus, laid eyes on the Christ child he said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”(Luke 2:29-32). Jesus is still a light to the Gentiles and the glory of Israel. Over 2000 years later, Jesus is still the:

Son of God,

Prince of Peace,

Lamb of God,

King of Kings,

Savior,

Bread of Life,

The Way,

The Truth,

The Life,

Our Rock,

Redeemer,

Light of the World,

Great High Priest,

Messiah,

and Risen Lord.

Christmases may change but Jesus is the Rock that never changes.

When the number of place settings fluctuate at your table, remember to cling to the one thing that is a constant, Jesus Christ. Won’t you thank Him today for his sovereignty? Praise Him that no matter what happens in our lives, we can always count on Him? Worship Him for his never-failing love?

I hope and pray you have a blessed Christmas honoring the birth of the most stable person you will ever have in your life. When the ground shifts beneath your feet, plant yourself on the firm and steady foundation that cannot be moved, Jesus Christ. To wrap up today’s message, here’s a little poem I wrote about the never-changing Jesus’ birth:

Beautiful Birth

Beautiful Birth.

He came for me

He lived to die.

To set me free.

 

When things go awry,

and life’s rearranged.

Unlike the others,

Jesus never changes.

 

When the ground shifts

And troubles don’t cease,

Just place your life

With the Prince of Peace.

 

Born in a stable,

He’s our stability.

When our world seems puzzling,

He holds the answer key.

 

Hallelujah, Praise His Holy Name!

He’s my King, who is the same.

He’s the one who never fails.

The only constant in my life.

He’s Christmas future. Christmas past.

Jesus—the beautiful birth and hope that lasts.