“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever.” Hebrews 13:8, NASB
Arraying the wall, our quilted advent calendar denotes the days. Eagerly our children slip downstairs every morning. Taking their turn to move the star, they enjoy this simple countdown to Christmas Day. Eventually it arrives. Excitedly we celebrate. Exhaustedly we conclude. Christmas is over: the shopping, anticipating, feasting, gift opening—the celebration—has ceased. Merry gatherings with friends and family remain only as cherished memories. Though the season’s sights and sounds linger, we prepare to put away our decorations. What’s left?
JESUS.
Christmas’s beauty began with the angel’s magnificent announcement: “… today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Christ, who never changes, has come. He entered this hopeless, evil world as a tiny Babe and departed as a crucified Man. But He rose again. Today He lives! And all who trust Him as Savior amazingly are born again.
Maybe you feel slightly disappointed that all of Christmas’ enjoyment has ended until next year. Perhaps you carry a sense of let down since its festive delights have passed. Friend, the celebration has only begun! Because Jesus lived, died, and rose again—because He freely gives new life—we can rejoice always in His everlasting qualities and this great salvation He’s secured on our behalf. Philippians 4:4 inspiringly instructs, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!”
For some of you, personal connection doesn’t compel you to read these words. We’ve never met. Yet I write with longing that all might know Jesus intimately. As my Savior, Lord, best Friend, and Lover of my soul, the Lord Jesus Christ forever is mine. Absolutely “The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusts in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart exults…” (Ps. 28:7). Truly “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine…” (Song of Songs 6:3). Completely unchangeable, Jesus Christ faithfully remains by my side strengthening and comforting me through life’s journey.
Jesus arrived in a stable and died on a cross. Now He’s triumphantly seated at God’s right hand. Flawless in character and brilliant in splendor, Jesus endlessly exists. Always the same, He lives today as surely as He did in time past. Majestically, gloriously, powerfully He’s coming again. Though Christ’s birth continues to cause commemoration, celebration should continue even after Christmas closes. Why? JESUS remains!
photo credit: Creativity+ Timothy K Hamilton via photopin cc
