Jesus has changed lives, provided hope, given strength, and been the subject of countless writings for over two thousand years.
He’s also been the center of disagreements that have split families and caused wars. Nothing can adequately describe the impact he’s had all around the world. We’re limited in our ways of describing it. This blog is my humble attempt.
After Adam and Eve sinned, God promised the perfect solution: a savior who would crush the serpent’s head. This promise, however, wouldn’t be fulfilled for some four thousand years.
During this incredible time of waiting, many prophesies foretold the coming savior. One such prophecy, found in Isaiah 9:7 says: “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness…” Another prophecy, found in Isaiah 7:14 states: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will be called Immanuel.” As the Israelites waited expectantly, there were varying views about what this savior would be like.
Many thought the savior would come as a powerful political leader. God had a different plan: Jesus would come as a humble servant. Philippians 2:8 expresses it well: “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!”
Jesus’ earthly life and ministry started in a feeding trough and ended with death on a cross. This is certainly not what most expected. Jesus was born on Christmas to one day die the death we all deserved and then rise from the grave with the serpent crushed under his feet.
Despite his quiet birth, Jesus changed the entire world. He came as a king, but not in the way expected. Even though he was a man, he was fully God. He works in and is above all things. It is through his humble life that we live.
The work of Jesus transforms and strengthens each of us, and in turn, should affect everything around us. This includes our nation. He wants everyone in America to feel the love and transformation that only he provides. He wants to be included in all the decisions our nation’s leaders make. He wants to be the guiding force behind everything we do.
Today, as we face a world of tremendous evil, Jesus’ birth provides us hope. Even though it often feels like everything is falling apart, we can be assured that Jesus, born quietly in the city of David, is in control. No evil is too much for him to handle. He’s using all of it for his purposes and glory.
Jesus’ birth encourages us as we pursue Truth and seek to bring America to a renewed understanding of its need for Christ. We know Jesus will be with us in this endeavor, as his name, Immanuel, promises. The promise of the son of God walking alongside us makes everything better.
If we seek Jesus and allow him to transform us, we can live a life that makes an impact on our nation. Because he transformed us, we’re moved to live a transformed life for the Lord. To live as a servant of God and others is a noble calling lived out perfectly by Jesus, our example. When we face hardship and difficulty, we have all the help we could ever need: the savior of the world. Even when it feels impossible, we can look to him for comfort and strength.
As 2023 comes to a close and we move into a new year, we eagerly await Jesus’ second coming when he “will make all things new.” Until then let us continue in the calling Christ has placed on each of us. As we do this, we can have incomprehensible joy, because of Jesus.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!