If you are in any way familiar with my blog and style of writing, then you know the first place to start reading is at the title. It often provides a clue to the blog content. Okay, you’ve had a moment to glance back at the title “Christmas Simplicity” and by now you are thinking, “What an oxymoron!” [def. oxymoron: figure of speech in which contrary terms are combined] How in the world am I able to combine the word Christmas with any form of the word simple? It would seem, at least from the world’s view, that Christmas is utter chaos packed with shopping, parties, events, cooking, decorations—you name it, the list goes on and on.
For me, Christmas is the simple reminder that God so loved me that He sent his One and Only Son to earth to bring me the free gift of salvation. In addition, endurance, encouragement, hope, joy, peace—these are all mine because God promised them to me if I will follow Christ Jesus.
Romans 15:4-6, 13 (NIV) For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. ... May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
To me, the simplicity of Christmas is this:
· The Bible is truth. It is God’s Holy Word. I can fully trust its promises.
· The Bible teaches me endurance (e.g., how to continue, persevere, remain steadfast, how to put up with, how to withstand pain, distress, fatigue). As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of endurance, I find the promised gift of peace. Endurance leads to peace!
· The Bible teaches me encouragement (e.g., hope, confidence, support). As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of encouragement, I find the promised gift of joy. Encouragement leads to joy!
Christmas is a time to step back from the clutter, chaos, and hubbub of the secular interpretation of the season, and remember the TRUE reason for celebrating Christmas. The simple reason: Christ’s birth brings us salvation. Christ’s birth brings hope, joy, and peace. To me, this is the most amazing part of celebrating Christmas! It is our opportunity to glorify our Heavenly Father by showing Christ to the world so desperately in need of hope, joy, and peace!
Christmas Simplicity = The Birth of Christ = Glory to God!
Gracious Heavenly Father,
We humbly thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. May everything we think, say, and do—our primary focus—be reflecting the light of Christ to a world in desperate need of a Savior. Thank you for the promise gifts of endurance, encouragement, hope, joy, and peace.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional Christmas Simplicity appeared first on Write From My Heart at
https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com
Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Thompson Chain-Reference® Bible, New International Version® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1983 by Zondervan Corporation. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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