Written By Hailey Hudson
December 2 2017
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“Praise
be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy,
He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1 Peter 1:3
Last
December, I walked into a friend’s house. Immediately their young child
grabbed me and dragged me into the living room. “Look at our Christmas
tree.” I dutifully admired the handmade pipe-cleaner ornaments, but when
my gaze reached the very top of the tree, I was shocked. There,
carefully balanced, was a Santa hat. The sole focus of this family’s
Christmas was very clear.
Most people are concerned
with what’s under the tree, but what’s on top of the tree can signify
where your hope is placed. In 1 Peter 1:3, we’re told that our hope lies
in the birth of Jesus. In order to be crucified and resurrected, Jesus
had to first be born —fully human, yet still fully God.
Because of that one night
in a dusty barn, we have the hope of eternal life with our Lord. At the
end of the day, we are all broken people in a broken world. Trying to
see the good. Striving for faith. Longing to find some hope. Tear away
all the Santa hats and trappings, and find the answer ― an infant child
in a dirty manger. This is it: love and grace that covers all. This is
it: the marvel of marvels, that He would call us Beloved.
Santa brings toys that will
lose their luster before the kids go back to school. Jesus, however,
brings an everlasting hope. This Christmas, let’s take Santa off the top
of our tree, whether metaphorically or literally, and put the hope of
Jesus as our focal point instead.
Lord,
thank you that the birth of Jesus offers me an everlasting hope. Help
me to keep my eyes on you during this holiday season. In your name,
Amen.
Go Deeper ―
Be intentional about the way you celebrate and decorate for Christmas
this year. There’s nothing wrong with taking the kids or grandkids to
have their picture with Santa. However, make sure that everyone knows
the true reason you celebrate Christmas: the hope of Jesus.
Read Further In Search of the Christmas Spirit
More from The Life, Here
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