As we say goodbye to Christmas, and to the year, we may be tempted to also close the pages of the Christmas story until next December rolls around. Yet if we did, we would only do ourselves a great disservice. You see, the Christmas story is not merely a seasonal feel good. Instead, it is the good news of God’s outrageous love that came to us packaged in the form of a baby, who was, and is Jesus. And this good news, the news of Jesus coming to Earth, is in fact the gospel. And the gospel is a message we live out all year long, not simply at Christmas.

So, as we box up our decorations, lights, tree, and holiday attire, let’s be careful not to inadvertently also box up the story of Christmas. Instead, let’s keep the reality and beauty of all that is Christmas alive in our hearts by continually remembering these following truths:

1.God is not a respecter of persons.

He chooses and uses people just like us, people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and social classes for His purposes.

2. God makes all things possible.

What seems impossible to us is not at all impossible to God. He is in fact the God of the impossible.

3. God’s Word never fails.

What He speaks, in His time and in His way, will always come to pass.

4. God turns seemingly ordinary days into extraordinary days.

When we least expect it, God just might transform our mundane into miraculous.

5. God is pleased when we believe Him.

He rewards us when we trust in His Word, and He also graciously silences our unbelief.

6. God orchestrates divine detours in our lives.

He often leads us in unique and unexpected paths, requiring our trust and obedience.

7. God blesses those who humbly seek Him.

He is honored when we diligently seek to know and worship Him.

8. God blesses those who faithfully wait for the fulfillment of His promises.

He is glorified when we trust in the reality and timing of His promises.

9. God is with us now and always.

He is Immanuel, God with us. He is God for us. And He is God living in and through us!

10. God loves us.

Take a moment and let that soak in.

My friends, God loved us before we knew Him. He also loved us before we loved Him. In fact, He loved us so much He sent Jesus to demonstrate His radical, perfect, never-ending love for us. And the reality of this outrageous love, the kind of love God has for each of us, is to be remembered and celebrated, not just at Christmastime, but rather at all times.

So, as we say goodbye to another Christmas, and welcome a new year, may we continually be inspired and encouraged by the gift of God’s amazing love for us, which is the story of Christmas. And as a result, may we also be bold and courageous in sharing the story of His love with others.

Pray

Father God, thank you for the beautiful story of Christmas. I am in awe of your outrageous, perfect love for me. The gift of your presence with me now and always exceeds my greatest expectation. As I say goodbye to another Christmas and prepare for a new year, may the message of your great love continually encourage and inspire me, and overflow from me to others. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Extend grace to others by sharing this post with a friend.


Community Question of the Week

In what specific ways does the reality of God’s outrageous love for you encourage, inspire, and motivate you as you prepare for the new year?

Encourage others with your response HERE!