Believe. It's a word we often see around us throughout the Christmas season. I have to admit, I get a little excited when I see it. After all, Christmas is all about believing in Christ, our great Savior, right? So, I'm thinking, "Yay! They believe in the reason for Christmas! They believe in Jesus!" But is that what people mean when they use the word "believe" at Christmastime? Maybe. Maybe not.
When some people talk about "believing" at Christmastime, they may be thinking about Santa. One of my coworkers told me that believing in Santa was such a magical part of Christmas for her as a child. So many parents try hard keep their kids believing in the jolly, fat man in the red suit as long as they can.
Others believe in people. They believe in family and friends, hoping people who won't let them down at Christmastime. It's during this time of year that people try to come together and put aside the conflict. They seek to make memories together.
Still others believe in "the spirit of Christmas", which makes everyone "say hello to friends you know, and anyone you meet". It's the time when people are extra nice and often happy. People give gifts and tell each other "Merry Christmas".
Yet these things sure are weak for believing in. They aren't trustworthy, because Santa isn't real, people aren't perfect, and the "spirit of Christmas" is often merely an emotion. True belief at Christmastime (and all year round) is in something so much more secure. So much more promising. So much more real. True belief is in Jesus! He came as a baby, sent by God, to save a people who were utterly lost. He grew up and died on a cross, then rose again, and ascended to heaven. That's what we can believe in.
But you know what the best part is? This hope and belief doesn't end when December 25th goes by! It lasts throughout the whole year. 2015 has been an incredible year for me. God has been so faithful and in Him, there is so much hope.
There were times this year when I was exhausted and crying. God was there. There were times when I was thoroughly enjoying the exciting things God had brought into my life, from people, to school projects, to music. He was there. There were times when I wondered if I would be able to complete the tasks before me. God was always right there. There were times I was laughing so hard that my ribs hurt. God was still with me.
Whatever this year held for you, I hope it was full of belief and faith in our incredible God. Because He was there with you through the good times and bad.
Believe! But don't just "believe". Believe in Jesus Christ. He is God. This Christmas, and always, my friend, believe. Believe in our wonderful Lord Jesus. He is incredible. He is our hope and our belief. He is absolutely awesome!
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
~ Isaiah 9:6
Believing,
Christina
Soli Deo Gloria ~ To God Alone Be the Glory!
