Refuge of Grace

Wrap presents. Put up decorations. Maybe I need new lights since mine don’t sparkle just like the ones I saw on Instagram? Finish Christmas shopping. Can we all stay healthy for everything we have planned? How can I make this Christmas special for those around me?

If you’re anything like me, this might be a few of the thoughts running through your mind this Christmas season. Living with our to do list dictating our steps, often leaves our sight and souls distracted. Instead, when we cradle Christ, we gaze deeply at this precious baby and we find the true delight and wonder of the season in Jesus’ eyes.

In these next several days leading up to Christmas, instead of getting lost in our to-do lists, will you lean into a deeper gaze at our Savior with me?

• Let’s nestle into His nearness. His nearness changes everything. This past summer our pastoral staff preached a series on the nearness of God, including the treasure-filled verses in Philippians 4:5-6. Paul writes, “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” We do not have to worry or stress this holiday season because the Lord is near. (Philippians 4:5-6 ESV)
• Let’s lean into the lavishness of His love: During this season, we spend time trying to find the “perfect” gift for everyone on our lists—meaningful and delightful presents to show each recipient how much they are loved. And yet, every earthly gift pales in comparison to God’s gift to the world that first Christmas. Lovingly, God sent His Son to the world, so Jesus would meet our every need through eternal life. Now that is lavish love and truly the perfect gift! (1 John 3:1 NIV, 1 John 4:9 ESV)
• Let’s linger in His luminous light: Christmas is a season of light—strings wound around trees, flickering Advent candle flames, pops of colorful lights on homes and drive-thru displays. These lights brighten the outside darkness, but they can’t hold a candle to the light from luminous baby Jesus. John tells us Jesus is “the true light” who brings light to all (John 1:9 ESV). And unlike our faulty manmade lights, Jesus truly illuminates the darkness. No matter the power of the opaque, Jesus’ light never dampens. (John 1:5 ESV)
• Let’s gaze at the grandeur of His grace:
  If I’m honest, I can lose sight of just how spectacular Jesus’ grace is. In John 1:16, John writes, “For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Jesus’ fullness is beyond anything we could ever completely understand or picture. But because of his completeness, we receive not just one grace, but many graces. Instead of being overwhelmed by our to-do list or our list of activities for the perfect Christmas, may we be overwhelmed by the grandness of His grace. (John 1:16 ESV)
• Let’s rest in His priceless peace: His peace is beyond anything the world can give, but He graciously gives His peace to us. Because of His peace, we don’t have to be afraid or worried. No matter what happens this holiday season, we can unwrap His peace because He overcame the world (John 14:27, 16:33 ESV).

Let’s cradle Christ together, friends, and discover more of Jesus this Christmas.