The Key To This Season Is Not A “spirit” But A Sacrifice

So often during this Christmas Season, Christmas is presented as the most incredible power on the earth. This is often seen in the phrase “the spirit of Christmas” which usually refers to the good feeling many have during this time of the year.  In the classic tale “The Christmas Carol” the true meaning of Christmas (loving and caring for others all year long) is what the rascal Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed to live out. 

But don’t buy into the hype. The key to this season is not a “spirit” but a sacrifice. A sacrifice in that God the Son came to earth to give His life so that God might transform us from within.  No matter how hard we try to keep the Christmas spirit through the year we will only end up frustrating ourselves. The problem is that we need a radical change that will make God’s desire our heart’s desire (The name Jesus means “one who saves His people from their sins” Matthew 1:21).  We also need a radical change that will make God’s empowerment our power (Another name for Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us” Matthew 1:23).

So, the most incredible power on earth is not Christmas, but Christ. I pray that you will seek to walk with Him and in His power in order to love and care for others all year long. A great way to allow Christ to walk with us during this season is to seek one area of your life to surrender to Him. What area in which you are still in need of growing in your trust of the Lord would you offer to Him as a gift? I am sure that you will then fully experience the power of Christ in this special season.