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How do we keep Jesus in Christmas when the world tells us differently? It feels like more than ever the world is trying to pull us further away from the true meaning of Christmas. Look at all of the ads you see on tv and even the way people talk about Christmas. I’ll be the first to say I struggle with not keeping Christ first. The conversations we are already having in our family are, “When are we getting together?” Not how can we honor Jesus this season? 

I challenged our youth students during the Thanksgiving season to not just be thankful but have gratitude. Being thankful is just a feeling we have. Having gratitude is an action in how we show our thankfulness to God. Going into Christmas, what if we did the same thing?

Isaiah 9

6 For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on his shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7  The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.

This beautiful passage from Isaiah helps us remember that there was a time before Jesus. This is a prophecy that this child would come. We get some really great imagery and insight into who Jesus would be. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace, exactly what we need. The best part is that Jesus did come! This is not just a passage hoping he would come but proclaiming he did. 

 

This Christmas season let's take a step back and be reminded of who Jesus is and why we celebrate. Jesus was what the people were hoping for and he is exactly what we need. I pray that you won’t just go through this season but show gratitude for what he has done for you by putting him first this year.