Refuse to Quench the True Spirit of Christmas
The Christmas story calls us to look past commercialism and celebrate Jesus, the King of Glory, who humbly brought God’s kingdom to earth.
Over two thousand years ago, shepherds stood on a hillside as they had done countless times before. They were most likely guarding sheep that would later serve as a sacrifice at the temple. Imagine what a night’s work might look like for them.
The stars overhead, the moon shining brightly; animal noises fill the air as the shepherds banter back and forth. Here again, you find unsuspecting souls going about their daily duties, unaware that heaven is about to invade earth.
Christmas Should Not Be Commercialized
The first Christmas was anything but commercialized, hurried, or overdone. Jesus came into the world through the womb of a poor, teenage girl, was born in a cave and placed in an animal trough. The world didn’t make room for Him. Still, heaven celebrated Him. Those with ears bent toward heaven discerned Jesus’ presence on the earth. The power of the Most High God rested upon this little makeshift gathering of shepherds, a baby, and His young parents. But much of the world missed Him then just as many in the world miss Him now. Yet He came to us anyway. What a gift God’s given us!
Interestingly, as Jesus grew up, some recognized Him immediately because they’d been waiting for Him. Others actually observed His miracles, watched Him fulfill prophecies before their very eyes, and still refused to believe. Every heart needs Him. Few are willing to receive Him.
Before there was time, there was Jesus. Every created thing came through Him. He is the star-breathing God, the King of the universe, and the Savior of the world. Yet Jesus did not even consider equality with God something to manipulate for His benefit. He did precisely the opposite. Jesus leveraged His status as God because He could, for our benefit. And it cost Him His life.
The Savior of the World
Prideful people won’t even wait on hold unless they’ll be talking to someone more prideful and vital than themselves. But Jesus stands at the door of your heart and knocks. And waits. And lets you decide if you’ll let Him in.
Asheritah Ciuciu writes,
We do not trifle with a weakling, nor do we worship an
incompetent wannabe rock star. We worship the King of
kings who deserves all the honor and glory, and continually
receives it from the heavens, creation, angels, and the
chorus of His redeemed. Who is this King of Glory? His
name is Jesus.
The King of the universe is not a tyrannical leader. He’s the Savior of the world. The Christmas story isn’t old news. It’s good news. It’s now news! Salvation is not just an addendum to the end of your life, and Christmas isn’t just a quaint little story. When Jesus was born, God’s kingdom came to earth!
Don’t let another moment pass by without giving God the glory He deserves. He sent His Son to die in your place. Celebrate with joy. Give meaningful gifts to those you love. Help the poor. And enjoy a good party. But refuse to let the commercialism of Christmas quench the true spirit of this earth-shaking holiday. Jesus came, and He’s coming again. Oh, worship the King of Glory, for He has done great things.
In His Word
Read Luke 2.
Jesus, my Savior, You came! You saw a world desperately in need, and You came. I receive Your gift of grace. I believe You died in my place. The holidays quickly become self-indulgent noise if You’re not in them. Fill my home, my family, and my heart with the wonder of Your love and presence. Amen.
In Your Life
- Fast today from a shallow commercialized holiday.
- Refuse to get weighed down by temporary circumstances.
- Consider the heavenly wonder that surrounds this actual celebration. Rejoice!
We Recommend
We recommend the book Prepare Him Room by Susie Larson. As you begin your Christmas preparations this year, journey through Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth alongside Susie as she walks you through His life, death, and ultimate resurrection.
Let’s Connect
Susie Larson is a national speaker, bestselling author, and the host of the daily talk show Susie Larson Live heard on the Faith Radio Network with over 3.5 million downloads. She has written 20 books and numerous articles and has been a guest on many major media outlets, including Focus on the Family, the Life Today show, and FamilyLife Today. Voted twice as a top-ten finalist for the John C. Maxwell Transformational Leadership Award, she is also a veteran of the fitness field. Susie and her husband, Kevin, live near Minneapolis, Minnesota.
