A Drastically Different Christmas

by Eric Scholten, pastor of LivingProofBaptistChurch

I have lived through many Christmases in my life. I can remember the early years when my enjoyment of Christmas was determined by the size of the pile of gifts under the tree. Honestly, as long as my pile was slightly larger than my sister’s, I was happy. I unfortunately went through the disillusioned years when, as a teenager, I thought it was lame to get excited about Christmas morning and would saunter downstairs in a way that communicated that I was not giddy, eager or, sometimes, even generally interested. As I moved off to college a new appreciation for Christmas entered my mind as I thought more about family and traditions and saw Christmas as an opportunity to give. Then something drastic happened to me, which changed the way I have looked at Christmas ever since.

In January of 1996 I became a follower of Jesus. I had no idea what God had in store for my life, but I knew a couple of things for sure. 1) Jesus died for me. This truth had slowly sunk in over the previous few months as dear friends of mine graciously shared the story of Jesus with me. I had come to understand that I needed someone to do something for me that I could never do for myself; I needed forgiveness. My rebellious heart loved pushing God and his goodness away. I came to realize that this rebellion, or sin, was the very thing that would separate me from God forever. As I began to think that I did not want this separation, I wondered how I could overcome. Then I learned that Jesus had overcome for me. He had died in my place, taking my guilt and my punishment so that I could be forgiven. And then God raised him from the dead. Wow! This news sent me reeling. I was amazed that I had never contemplated this truth before, but now it was changing everything about me. 2) Jesus wanted me. I realized that Jesus died for me because he wanted my life. He wanted me to find my satisfaction in him alone. He wanted me to give all that I was to him. As I continued to think about the Gift he gave for me and to me, I gladly wanted to give my life to him. So, in simple faith, I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sin and I surrendered my life to him.

How did this change my Christmases? I still enjoy gifts under the tree. Although now it is because I get to see my five kids open them. I still like to think about family and traditions. I even don’t mind sauntering into the living room a little late, but that is just to get a response from my kids as tired daddy can’t seem to get himself out of bed quickly enough. While all of these things are wonderful, and I enjoy them thoroughly, my Christmases have become all about Jesus and the gift of his life given to the world.

Each year we get the opportunity to celebrate the giving of Jesus to us by our heavenly Father. The value of this gift is inestimable. Think about these words from Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi. “…Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” (Philippians 2:5-7) He had everything in all of creation at his disposal. He enjoyed the perfect fellowship that is found only in the Triune God-head. And he placed those things aside so that he could become like us. He left the glories of heaven to step into a world broken and reeling. He did this so that he could give the gift of life to all who would turn to him in faith and trust. What a gift. What a sacrifice. What a wonderful Jesus.

So this Christmas, as I am awakened by excited little kids with morning breath and bedhead, and I make my way (albeit slowly) to the living room, and sit and watch wrapping paper fly, my joy will come from thinking about my Jesus who changed me and continues to do so to this day. This Christmas, as you consider the Gift given for you, might this be the year that you give your life to Jesus? God bless.

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Living Proof BaptistChurch

309 Waltz Farm Drive

Williamsburg, VA 23185

Office- 757-565-6414

LivingProofBaptistChurchHoliday Schedule
Candlelight Lord’s Supper service on Christmas Eve at 6:00 pm