Parenting Points
When our families come to the Christmas season, we are met with many things to do. Our lives tend to immediately get busy and hurried amid all the presents, parties, and other things that make this season so loved. But before we get lost in the craziness of the season, let’s look back to the purpose of this holiday.
The Gospel of John begins with a great picture of Christmas. He paints Jesus (whom he calls the Word) being the Creator, Sustainer, and Giver of life. He shows us a great and powerful God and says, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1: 14a ESV). The holy God of the universe stepped down into our pain and world to redeem us from it. He came from His home in Glory to make a way through His own suffering and death to bring us to Glory and to restore fellowship with us.
This Redeemer, however, did not come on the scene as many would expect. The lightning did not flash, the earth did not shake, and the angels did not belt out a joyful noise. No, the God of the universe came as a baby, and He was “wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there was no room in the inn” (Luke 2:7b ESV). God comes on the scene and is given no kingly treatment. The God of the universe should have at least been given a room in the inn, but instead, He is born in an animal food trough. Jesus Christ comes to redeem His people, and everyone seems to miss it. John writes in John 1:9-11 ESV, “The true light which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own and His own people did not receive Him.” He came to bring light into the darkness of our world, and we missed Him.
This Christmas during all our trees, gifts, families, Christmas parties, and dinners, will our family miss Jesus? It is very easy during the busy holiday season for us to forget what is important. Jesus wants a relationship with you and your family this Christmas season. He wants to spend some time with you this Christmas. Will you be like the wise men and shepherds and seek Him, or will your family miss Jesus this Christmas?
-Dr. Ben Birdsong
Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham
Writer and Speaker
