“Good news of great joy! … The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” (Lk.2:10-11). “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1Tim.1:15)
Lord Jesus, the next 72 hours invite us into fresh wonder, love, and praise as we reflect on the breathtaking, eternal-life-giving marvel of your incarnation. Every other king has been a baby before they were enthroned; but you who are King of the cosmos became a baby to be our servant-Savior. What wondrous love is this, indeed?
We don’t need a second chance, hot romance, more recognition, or a fan base. We need what the angel announced—THE Savior, not a savior. It’s why I treasure the Apostle Paul’s self-description as “the worst of sinners”—for I finally understand what he meant. It’s the most healthy, self-aware, “emotionally intelligent,” spiritually mature affirmation any of us can make. Paul wasn’t engaging in self-contempt and personal loathing; he was demonstrating Gospel-sanity and true freedom. We Christians need the Gospel just as much as any non-believer.
The more we see your dazzling beauty, experience your incomparable goodness, and abide in your lavish love, we too will own Paul’s affirmation as our own. None of us are as joyful as you intend, as free as you desire, or as loving as we will be one Day. But hallelujah a gazillion times over—you don’t love us to the extent that we are already like you, but to the extent we are in you. It’s our union with you, not our doing for you, that is our assurance and hope of eternal life.
What do we want for Christmas, Jesus? (1) More freedom from under-believing this glorious Gospel, (2) fresh love for you and delight in you, and (3) Holy Spirit given joy to accept Christmas this year as you script it and love for whoever you place before us. So Very Amen.
