Christmas Day. A time to pause and put things into perspective. I’m in awe of what God has done for me and today really brings that to the forefront. As been my tradition to read a chapter per day (each December) in the Book of Luke. There are 24 chapters and 24 days in December before Christmas. Today I read John 1, thinking I may as well keep going, and John 1:14 really hit me in a profound way as it really spells out Christmas! “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

At what cos did he come and make his dwelling among us? Well, it cost Jesus the comfort of heaven to come down to earth and be amongst people. That is crazy! I imagine the richest of rich going to a 3rd world country and trying to live, I can’t even grasp the culture shock of heaven in contrast to earth. I think even I would have tried to negotiate better terms if I were Jesus, to at least land a middle class point of entry, but no, God gives him poverty. Seriously, a manger in a stable and a blue collar working class family? I grew up poor, but I at least have a hospital on my birth certificate and a crib to come home too.

Then there was God’s sacrifice. God knew full-well what he was doing when He decided to place his one and only Son on the earth; which was to die! I mean, what parent does that? My sole purpose for bringing children into this world was NOT to watch them struggle, endure pain and die! Either God, nor Jesus changed their course. God sent his Son to die and Jesus came to earth to die – never wavering.

John 3:16 says it so eloquently. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Within this verse we find the “Why”; that whoever believes in him will not perish.

So what will this cost us? Everything! We have to not only believe that God did, in fact, give up his Son for us, but Jesus took on our sins on his shoulders and cancelled the debt of our sin so we can be right with God and enter heaven with assurance of eternal life.

Today is not just another day, it is a day of sacrifice, love and grace. We are so blessed and it doesn’t take presents, decorated trees, great sales, perky songs or anything that we can see with our eyes or touch with our hands. It takes faith and that then means sacrificing our selfish desires for a life lived out in obedience to Him.

No greater gift!

To receive this gift and transform your life pray these 3 simple things:

1. Lord, I am a sinner and I need and desire Jesus to be my savior
2. Please forgive me Lord, I am sorry for what I have done.
3. I pledge to make you the leader of my life – help me to live for you.

In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!