Christmas Spirit
December 27, 2024
“It has been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the LORD’S Messiah.”
Luke 2:26 (NIV)
How many times have you heard the Christmas story?
It is one of those biblical truths that, if you aren’t careful, can become so familiar that its majesty can be lost. Although Christmas officially has its season, there is no reason you cannot be in the “Christmas spirit” all year long–especially as believers in Jesus Christ.
The Gospel of Luke tells the story of an old man named Simeon who spent his whole life in the Christmas spirit as he waited for the Lord’s promised Messiah. What is a “messiah,” and how does it relate to you today?
In the Old Testament of the Bible, the Hebrew word “Messiah” is used to describe a person chosen by God for His purpose. Sacred oil would be poured on the heads of priests and kings to set them apart for God. Over time, “Messiah” began to describe the anticipated king who would establish God’s kingdom.
In the New Testament, since it is written in Greek, the word “Christ,” communicates this same idea–the “anointed one.” In other words, Jesus is God’s chosen King. The Ruler of ancient hope, the long-awaited King has come to establish His kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy. (See Romans 14:7)
At Christmas, you don’t just celebrate Christ’s birthday, but His very birth itself. Why is that?
It is because this is no ordinary birth, and Jesus is no ordinary baby.
It is with good reason that you look back at Jesus’ birth at Christmastime. This is the Lord’s Messiah, God’s chosen King. This is the one who brings peace on earth between God and humanity. This is the Anointed One who brings you righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
I want to challenge you, however, not to reserve your awe and wonder of the Messiah for a particular “season.” Choose to live in the Christmas spirit every day, knowing that Christ deserves your attention and worship continually, not just at certain times of the year.
Let the Christmas season become an overflow of your daily worship of this tiny baby who grew up to save the world.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I praise You for the wonder of Your plan, bringing Jesus, the Messiah into our world. May I never lose the awe of Your plan. And help me live in a spirit of anticipation and reverence all year long, not just at Christmastime. May I live in continual worship of the Lord’s Messiah. Through Christ, I pray, Amen.