What’s does Jesus want for Christmas?

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)

The American celebration of Christmas is a very selfish holiday. It has turned into a worship of self and desires. Think about it, on the very day we set aside to be thankful for what we have delivered to our door steps hundreds of ads for things we “want.” Black Friday sales has now consumed half of Thanksgiving day. Instead of talking about how thankful we are for what we have, we look to see what we can get at a really good deal, for Christmas.

From a child we are raised with the question, “what do you want for Christmas?” We go to a really decorated store and stand in line to sit on some old guys lap where he makes a bid deal about what you want for Christmas. I am as guilty as the next, hoping and anticipating getting something pretty awesome for Christmas.

Christmas is not about you

Well it is and it isn’t. You aren’t the focus of the story or the holiday. Jesus is. It’s the time we focus on His coming. It is about you in the fact that you (and me) are a sinner and needed rescuing. If it wasn’t for our sins, Jesus wouldn’t have had to come.

Our sins separated us from God. Sin taints all of us, from birth until death. Everything we do we do as captives of sin. God cannot look upon our sinfulness and accept us the way we are. He chose to do something about it, provide a means of forgiveness and righteousness that we could not do for ourselves. He didn’t have to send Jesus. Jesus didn’t have to die for us. He chose to come. He chose to die.

Christmas is about Jesus

When we understand that Christmas is more then the yummy food, the bright lights and the gift exchanges (although those are all good), and fix our eyes on Jesus, Christmas becomes more then we can imagine.

The Bible says it was the “fullness of time” when God sent His Son. God had waited for the precise time for Jesus to enter our story. Though His entry was humble and in a manger, it changed everything. Our understanding of history is centered at that moment when God entered the World.

It’s His birthday that we are celebrating. What can you give back to Him for what He has given you? What’s does Jesus want for Christmas?

He wants you! 

Think about that. With all your sins, mistakes and failures, He wants you! He knows your worst thoughts, your secret deeds, your biggest insecurities, and yet He wants you! When everyone else would want to run away, He runs to you. He came into this world to redeem you from your sins, to bring healing and to bring hope. He offers redemption and adoption into His forever family!

Will you give yourself to Him this Christmas? The choice is yours.