You are the Reason for the Season

(Got your attention, didn’t I?) 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. Today as I navigated the ever so packed isles at the grocery store, stepping (with nowhere else to go) in front of someone, I politely said, “Excuse me” as I again maneuvered through the gauntlet of carts. All these people. Each one is on a mission.  Each one loved by God. I wondered if THEY know Jesus.

“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) The best gift ever! Jesus came to earth, the divine embodied in human form. His life message pointing to Kingdom stuff. His death cleaning us up. He resurrected in full power and authority and now sits enthroned on the right hand of the Father—for US!  He came to fix the man-made mess. WE are the “whosoever.”  WE are the reason for the season! YOU are the reason for the season! (Ok, group HUG!) Yes, it’s all about Jesus, what He did for YOU!  He came for YOU!  THE best gift giving possible.  

Even with all the self-interest, self-immersion, self, self, self and all the “I” focus today, this Christmas as you sit among friends and family, look into their eyes and 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. Tell them why He came. Most know about the baby in the manger, and most often, folks leave Jesus there—in the manger.  They ignore beyond. Now tell them about the grown-up KING.  

“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,

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