I find it very poetic and fitting that we are reading the crucifixion story just as we celebrate Jesus’ birth. After all, this is precisely why He was born. An angel delivered messages to a bunch of people, a virgin gave birth to a son, Jesus was sent to earth and was born in Bethlehem roughly 2000+ years ago, and shepherds and magi came to worship Him—all so that Jesus would end up hanging on a piece of wood to die and pay the price for my sin and yours.
Because of the passion story I say hallelujah! This is why I celebrate. This is why I sing songs and wish people a merry Christmas. Throughout this time, I take moments to think about the real reason for the season and I am so thankful. I am thankful that my God loved so much and proved His loved through Jesus. And Just like king Nebuchadnezzar said, “I praise and exalt and glorify the King of Heaven, because everything does is right and all His ways are just” (Daniel 4:37, NIV).
I’m not sure what your Christmas season looks like. Maybe you are finding yourself in a strange land among strange people and customs like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Maybe you are feeling like you are stuck in the middle of a lion’s den like Daniel. Maybe you feel like you have been asked to something uncomfortable and potentially embarrassing like Hosea. Maybe you are on cloud nine experiencing the power of God like the disciples after the tomb was found empty. Or maybe you have been humbled and asked by Jesus, “do you love me?”
Whatever situation you find yourself in this Christmas, my prayer is that you find peace, rest, and joy in the One who is risen and reigns on high.
Merry Christmas!
-Darren Bute
(Youth Pastor)