Christmas Unchanging
The Christmas season is hitting a little differently this year. You might feel it too. It might be a change in your budget. Maybe physical or mental illness has reared its ugly head. Maybe the division everywhere has begun to wear you down. In a lot of ways, Christmas may not feel the same for some of us.
But I’m guessing that if you look at your Christmas tree, somewhere rocking in its branches is a little figure swaddled in clothes, tucked into a straw filled feed box. He’s been peacefully sleeping the season away knowing what isn't different.
He would remind you of the unchanged story of Bethlehem in Christmas past, when God sent His only son to seek and to save the lost:
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:6-14
The story of our Savior’s miraculous birth, perfect life, and innocent death are impervious to today’s circumstances. This story has provided hope and peace through ages of disease and hardship, through good times and bad.
The comfort in the familiar story from the pages of scripture is not all that remains unchanged this Christmas season. The inspired words we find are as relevant in Christmas present as they were when they were first written:
Matthew 28:20 “And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age”
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Even this Christmas, God is with us. He knows and watches over every aspect of our lives. He has a plan for our future, and is shaping us for His glorious purpose.
Regardless of what this Christmas season looks like, whether it is playing out as we initially planned or hoped, we can trust Him who holds our whole world. We can also rest assured that there is hope and joy awaiting us in Christmas future:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” John 14:1-4
While some things may seem different this year, there is incredible peace to be found in Christmas past, Christmas present, and Christmas future. Our infinite God has been and will be there through all of it. He is our unchanging rock, and we cling to him at Christmas and always.
I the LORD do not change. Malachi 3:6