“Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith: Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.” – 1 Timothy 3:16 NLT
Welcome to the 52nd weekly devotional recap of the year. This week, we were reminded of the reason for the season of Christmas and the hope it brings to mankind.
Monday’s article taught us to respond to this season of Christ’s birth with singing, rejoicing, and celebration. Jesus’s birth is the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise (Isaiah 9:6). As Christians, we join a larger chorus with all creation to declare, “Glory to God in the highest!” (Luke 2:14). So, take time to reflect on God’s love (John 3:16) and rejoice in the joy of salvation.
On Tuesday, we learnt about Jesus’s kingship and the location of His kingdom. Jesus was prophesied to be a king from David’s line (2 Samuel 7:12-13), and His life aligned with all the prophecies that had gone ahead of Him. While the Israelites expected a physical kingdom, He came to establish an eternal one: the spiritual kingdom in the hearts of men (Luke 17:20-21), and He calls us to point men to the same.
Wednesday’s article reminded us that Christmas is the celebration of God’s extraordinary love. He showed mercy to our broken world by bringing it hope, salvation, and reconciliation. Jesus demonstrated divine grace when he took up the frailty of humanity (Philippians 2:6-8) to give us eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). The true gift of Christmas is reconciliation with God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rejoice in the God who loved us enough to send His Son.
On Thursday, we were reassured of a hope-filled life in Christ Jesus. Our world is plagued with disheartening circumstances: wars, poverty, persecution, and pain. However, believers have hope (Matthew 24:6), because in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we received the assurance of salvation. Even though Jesus’s birth was rife with opposition, He was delivered. Let this give you confidence that at His second coming, there will be no more suffering, death, or pain. Christ in us is our hope of glory! (Colossians 1:27)
We ended the week on Friday by emphasising the joy that comes with Christ’s birth. Christmas is not merely a celebration of an event; it is a declaration of our redemption. In the incarnation, Jesus came to bring hope and freedom to mankind and to restore our relationship with God (Romans 3: 1-2). Reflect on the immense love God has shown you and let it overflow to those around you and inspire you to share this hope with the nations (Matthew 28:19, John 3:18).
As you celebrate in this season, remember that Christmas is not the end of the story; it is the beginning of your mission to let the whole world know.
Have a wonderful weekend, and see you next year!