Serene Sunday
In just a few short days we’ll celebrate Christmas. We have been preparing their homes, purchasing gifts and planning meals. We have attended parties, celebrations, concerts, and plays. We have dressed in fun clothing, viewed the lights and more…But, when it truly comes down to it, despite the current trend to be socially correct or inclusive – without Jesus Christ there would be no Christmas.
There’s a concerted effort to erase Jesus from the scene of Christmas. He told us that He would be considered offensive, yet He demonstrated to us just how we should live and be. Despite what He knew would happen, what He planned to happen – Jesus came in love for every one. Everyone. We all have the opportunity to choose to us just who Jesus is.
I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe He is one of three in the God-head who in eternity past decided to come to pay for the sins of the whole world – in the greatest demonstration of love.
Jesus chose empathy. He took on the form of a man so that He could demonstrate to us how to live. He could demonstrate to us that He knew how we feel when we endure hard times. Jesus chose to come that first Christmas morning as a baby, to grow as a child and to become the man who would live a sinless life.
Jesus chose the cross. He knew what it would take to pay for the sins of the whole world. He did it anyway for all of us – He chose a relationship with us. Jesus opened a door – a way for us to become sons and daughters of God once again. And, He gave us the choice to choose Him. God gave us the choice to believe.
It takes a lot of faith to either believe or not to believe in Jesus Christ. Actually, I think it takes more faith to not believe in Jesus. Because, if you don’t you accept a whole lot of things without evidence. There’s no dispute that Jesus lived on this earth. There’s no dispute of where and when He was born or of the life He lived before the crucifixion. There’s even no dispute of the resurrection. There were many witnesses and accounts. Those who followed Him afterward turned the whole world upside down.
So, I believe. I have believed in Jesus Christ for a very long time. I have loved Him for a very long time. I have and am growing in Him. What I’ve come to understand that to live for Christ is to take on Christ. That is I need to remember to be kind and patient towards others. I need to remember to love everyone and to give them the opportunity to believe. I need to live a life that reflects the love of Christ in me.
Faith. Belief. Truth.
I think of the verses in II Timothy 1:3 – 10
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;
4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy;
5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
I think of faith. I think of sincere, unwavering faith. I think of knowing and understanding just what Christ did for all. I think of what it takes to live for Christ. I think of ‘if-then’ scenarios.
If Jesus Christ is who He said. If He did what is written of Him in the Bible. If the only way to have a relationship with God is through Him. If all that is true…then…
If you believe as I do – How shall we then live? I would say follow the direction that Paul was leading Timothy. Put to remembrance those things you’ve learned. Be sincere in your faith. Learn, grow and live for Him. Spend time in prayer. And trust. Trust that God is the one who will work through you and to give you clarity of mind and strength.
I believe in Jesus Christ. I am so very thankful for what He’s done, is doing and will do. There is joy in my heart. Not for the lights, and trees, and presents and parties…but, for the joy of being His. I have joy in knowing Christ for myself and for the ability to live and to love for Him.
What do you believe?