From the Pulpit: This Christmas, take time to look in the manger
By:
Pastor Craig Wilke, Sure Foundation Lutheran
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
Christmas has become a foundational part of our American culture. In some ways, it is hard to imagine what December would be like without Christmas songs on the radio, a Christmas tree in the living room, and an abnormal amount of sugar sitting around the house. Singing carols, giving gifts, and spending time with family all make this season a great season.
Yet sometimes all the activity replaces the nativity. Our minds are loaded with shopping lists, to-do lists, and our calendars are full. We are stressed about the expense of Christmas and the expectations of those around us. We get swept up in all the festivities around Christmas and fail to ponder what we are actually celebrating.
What is your soul going to worship this Christmas season? Will you worship gifts, events, and yourself? Or will you can keep your eyes fixed on your sure foundation?
The sure foundation of Christmas is found in the stillness of a manger, where a little newborn lay. Seemingly there is nothing special about him, he looks like any other baby. But this is not just any baby, this is God in the flesh, this is the Savior that God promised long ago. This baby is the source of everything that is good and beautiful. Jesus is the source of forgiveness, grace, love, peace, hope, and truth.
Jesus came to earth on Christmas FOR YOU. He knew that your soul would be distracted, he knew that you would be stressed and frustrated, he knew that you were a sinner, so he came to earth.
This baby would grow up to be the one, who would take the sins of a distracted and stressed soul to the cross. This baby would one day die on the cross so that your soul would be washed clean and forgiven. This baby would go on to lay the foundation of forgiveness, grace, love, peace, hope, and truth.
Christmas is a great time of year! Enjoy all the wonderful things that this season brings. But this year, don’t forget to take time to look into the manger and see Jesus, who changes lives and changes eternities.
