How you see Jesus shapes how you see Christmas

December 16

Read: Luke 2:21-35

Christmas presses us all to answer the most important question: Who is Jesus? 

In Luke 2, the Holy Spirit leads a righteous and devout man named Simeon to the temple on the day of Jesus’ circumcision. Simeon praises God for allowing him to see the promised Savior, then goes on to tell who this child is and how He will affect us. 

Simeon says, 

“....This child marks both the failure and

    the recovery of many in Israel,

A figure misunderstood and contradicted—

    the pain of a sword-thrust through you—

But the rejection will force honesty,

    as God reveals who they really are” (Luke 2:33-35, MSG).

What we believe about the baby in the manger reveals what is truly in our hearts. Do we see Jesus as a reason to decorate, gather friends, and feast? Or do we see Him as He really is: Savior of the world, Immanuel, Prince of Peace. 

When we see Jesus as our savior rather than a nativity character, our perspective on Christmas changes. Buying presents becomes a reminder of God’s blessing instead of a burden. Gatherings go from obligations to opportunities to celebrate Jesus.

The hustle and bustle around Christmas make it easy to forget why we’re celebrating. But when Jesus is at the center of our lives, everything becomes an act of worship. 

Reflect:

• In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks Peter, "Who do you say I am?" How would you answer Jesus’ question? Who do you say He is?

• What is one way you can put Jesus at the center of your day today?