YOU are the Reason for the Season

This holiday season I have been pondering and rolling around in my head, the little seasonal rhyme, ‘Jesus is the reason for the season.’  It fits well as a lapel pin, even hangs proudly as an ornament on our trees.  I like it!  The message is clear and points to Jesus!

Yet… I began to think of this in theological terms, the accuracy of it. I know… I KNOW you are rolling your eyes at this point. But bear with me. I am a people watcher, I watch how they walk,  how they talk, their mannerisms, their facial expressions (there is much entertainment in it… ‘nough said’).  The other day as I was Christmas shopping I watched their faces, looked into their eyes, wondering if THEY knew Jesus. Then it dawned on me – ‘THEY are the reason for the season!’

The season is Christmas. Christmas is JESUS, His birth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)  Jesus came to earth, the divine embodied in human form, His life pointed to the Father, His death representing us, He resurrected in full power and authority and now sits, enthroned on the right side of the Father – for US!  WE are the ‘whosoever’.  WE are the reason for the season! YOU are the reason for the season! (Ok, group HUG!) He came for YOU!  THE best gift giving possible.

Even with all the self-interest, self-emersion and all the “I” focus today, this Christmas look into the eyes of those around you, consider THEM!  What a great opening line to the gospel, said with heartfelt humility as you tenderly lean forward “Did you know YOU are the reason for the season…” Then tell them about Jesus and why He came, use their name (read their name badge if they have one) “Bob, He came for YOU!”

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

Blessed Christmas to you and yours,

In Him, DeDe & Mark (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)