Christmas time is here! For some, it is a festive season full of holiday cheer. For others, it’s a painful reminder that life is not as it should be. As Christians, we are to lead a lost and broken world through the activities of the season to find the heart of Christ. Celebrating His birth is a reminder that He provides hope beyond the problems of this world. He offers the assurance of eternal life – where there is no more brokenness. The dilemma is that many people can’t see past their pain to receive the gift Jesus offers. We can help by sharing the core of the Christmas meaning.
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free.
When Jesus started His public ministry, He shared His mission statement. He came for those who were powerless to change their circumstances and recognize their need for Him. He came for broken families, for those struggling for security, and for those hurting from illness and death. Understanding the core mission of Christ helps us celebrate Christmas with joy, regardless of our situation. We may not be stable or healed yet, but one day we will be. Jesus arrived as a baby into our messy lives with the promise that everything broken will be made right. Regardless of what season of life we are in, we can rejoice at Christmas time in the hope of the future with Christ.