Happy Birthday Jesus

Written by Linda McCutcheon

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In the cartoon movie, A Charlie Brown’s Christmas”, Linas said to Charlie Brown, “You are the only person I know that can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem”.

Among the crowds of stressed and harried people, visa cards bulging to the max, and people trying to prepare for yet another strained family get together, there is a scene of hope. We run from school productions, watch TV Christmas re-runs, attend work parties and quietly there sits a nativity scene representing peace and love.

This Nativity scene was a promise from the Old Testament fulfilled in the New. God’s perfect Son was born so that His birth would bring us eternal life. This amazing bundle represents true love, true hope, and true peace despite the traffic jams, last minute gifts, and restlessness in our hearts. Jesus was born as our perfect, free, priceless gift tagged ‘TO YOU… LOVE, JESUS’. “But the Lord will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant: she will have a son and will name him Immanuel.”…His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. His power will never end; peace will last forever”. (Isaiah 7: 14, Isaiah 9: 6,7 CEV)

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For some, this season may represent the ache of loneliness due to a loss of a loved one, a broken marriage, or a child away from home. Remember there is a free gift under the tree that has your name on it. It is Jesus Christ, who years ago, came into this world to set us free for those who choose to fill this empty void. It is His precious gift of a personal relationship with Him and a promise of eternal life. We don’t have to earn it or pay for it. Jesus did that for us. With this gift, comes peace that only He can give as the Prophet Isaiah wrote.

Each year we get to celebrate that fact. Each year as the Nativity scene is set up outside church buildings, in store front windows, and on tables in our living rooms it is a visual of hope and peace.

The babe that was born hundreds of years ago sacrificed His life by death on the cross and now sits in Heaven with God. This offer is still there with no expiry date. What a great celebration Christmas could be for you! After Linas quoted, from the Scriptures, the story of the birth of Jesus, he finishes off his statement to his friend by saying, “That is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown”. It truly is!

Thank you, Jesus, for Your birth. It means new life—eternal life! Amidst the ‘to do lists’ of this season and whatever circumstance we are facing, help us to grab hold of your free gift. Thank you there is no price tag for us because it cost You your life. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Questions: What are two things you can change this Christmas to reflect more of His free gift? How can you show Christ’s gift this season?

About this Author Linda Goodhand Rodgers

Daily audio podcast: A second daily devotional, Following the Star, today on the Men’s Devotional Blog

Tags: babe, birthday, born, Christmas, gift, God, hope, Jesus, loneliness, love, nativity, peace

2 Responses to “Happy Birthday Jesus”

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Makidi Ndidwa says:

December 19, 2008 at 7:17 am

I was moved to read that there is a free gift under the tree for every one ; since my Christmas tree has no gift under, I know that the perfect gift is there; Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace.
carolyn arntson says:

December 18, 2008 at 7:10 am

1. Forget gift giving…yes the first year everyone will try to change ‘the rule’ but even my littlest grandchildren now don’t expect gifts. For our Christmas brunch is an ornament exchange and sharing what each did for someone less fortunate than we all are. Certainly “Santa” comes to their comes and other grandparents give give but it is remarkably exciting to hear a 4 year old and his Mommy/Daddy tell how about delivery of Meal on Wheels to excited seniors – at seeing the face of youth!!
2. Don’t buy into HAPPY HOLIDAY…It IS Christ’s birthday and I don’t shirk from Merry Christmas! (and I even explained yesterday WHY I don’t say the political correct….thank you Lord for that opportunity!)