by Sandy Kirby Quandt

December 1. Where did the year go? December 1 and Christmas is twenty-four days away. Before we get caught up in the bustle, stress and busyness that is often associated with this season, let’s make sure we pause, take a deep deep breath, and remember why we celebrate, lest we forget the true reason for Christmas.

Our story goes all the way back to the third chapter of the first book of the Bible, Genesis. God created man. Man sinned. God and man’s fellowship was broken. God sent a Redeemer, Jesus, to make us right with God again. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice and claim him as our Savior, our fellowship with God is restored.

God is Holy. He can’t be in the presence of sin. Our sin separates us from God. Christ’s sacrifice bridges the chasm between us and God. That sacrifice makes us acceptable to a Holy God. Our sins are forgiven, Glory Hallelujah!

I believe it is easier for us to envision a helpless cuddly baby coming into our world and feeling all warm and fuzzy over that thought, than it is to face the reality of a Suffering Savior nailed to a wooden cross, and acknowledge he took the punishment for a debt we owed, but could never pay.

Lest we forget the true reason for Christmas while we deck the halls with boughs of holly, sing jingle bells, shop ’til we drop, and bake like maniacs, please, let’s remember Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross for each of us. And give thanks for the gift of forgiveness.

What do you do to remember the true reason for Christmas?

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Yet it was our grief he bore, our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, for his own sins! But he was wounded and bruised for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! We—every one of us—have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on him the guilt and sins of every one of us! Isaiah 53:4-6 (TLB)

I wish you well,

Sandy

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