Merry Christmas from my heart to yours

Honestly, it has been difficult to come to Jesus these past few days. Why? Because, by nature, I have a rebellious spirit towards God. But, as I mentioned in my last blog The Healing Power of Gratitude, I've come to Jesus anyway, praising Him even if I don't necessarily feel like it because gratitude heals and brings joy. And you know what I've noticed?

Although my rebellious spirit presses on to distance itself from God, deep down in my soul, I cannot help but have JOY this Christmas season! Joy that I get to talk to God at all, you know? I don't know about you, but that humbles me to no end. Under no circumstances am I worthy or deserve to speak directly to the God of the Universe, yet He loves me and wants to know the depths of my heart, so I get to talk to Him anyway. And you know something else? As I push through my indifference and give thanks to God, my discipline to do so actually conquers that rebellious spirit in my heart. Joy. Because I have a Good Father who has overcome my flesh by the power of His blood.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” -Luke 2:10-14 NLT

I don’t know who needs to hear this but I fully believe that someone does. Whoever you are, I pray that you be encouraged that no matter what season you’re in right now, this is a season to be joyful. Joyful because God loves you and I so much that He humbled Himself to come down to earth in the form of a man--Jesus, the Son of God, to save our souls. Not because we are perfect or are expected to be, but because we are a mess and in desperate need of a perfect Savior: Jesus, the Messiah, to come and take our place on the cross, so that our favor with God may be restored. So we no longer have to endure His wrath but instead, live forever in His perfect love.

This Christmas Day, I pray you recognize your mess, but rejoice in the truth that Jesus was born today, December 25th, so that YOU may be made righteous in the sight of God. Our Savior born to die, and did so gladly because His love for us is so much greater than any pain He could endure. If that truth doesn't bring you overwhelming peace and joy this Christmas season, maybe you need to check your heart. Have you accepted the free gift of salvation brought by Jesus’ death on the cross? Have you truly repented from your sins and are you following Him faithfully? Can you truly call yourself a child of God? If not, I couldn’t think of a better season, a better day—Christmas day, to get right with God. And please know that you don't have to come holy or perfect or right, but Romans 5:8 says "But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Christ died for our mess while we were still a mess. So, give your life to Him today. Come to Him and He will meet you right where you are because He loves you. That's the joy of Christmas: Jesus loves the imperfect you, enough to die for you. There is no greater gift.

Merry Christmas beloved friend,

Jess :)