Christmas signifies the coming of the Redeemer, the one who would take our sin and shame upon himself. But he also came to restore what was broken and renew that which needs to be made whole again. He came to heal and fix and save… all of us.
Isaiah 53:4-5 (ESV)
Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
You’ve probably heard John 3:16: For God so loved the world… It’s true. He loved the world that much, to sacrifice his one and only son on my behalf, and your behalf.
Galatians 4:4-5:
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.
In this age, telling the truth is tough business and not for the fainthearted.
Northern Europe is one of the places I want to visit someday. Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland… These places have always fascinated me. This timelapse video of the western coast of Norway is stunning in its beauty, and creates a longing in me to go see some of this in person. One day, I hope to. In the meantime, fullscreen this and enjoy.
