As I was thinking about how different Christmas will be for most of us this year, the Lord brought to mind a devotional that I had written way before COVID. Instead of focusing on what is lacking, it helped remind me that Jesus is more than enough. He brings Good News! He binds up the brokenhearted and gives us freedom. He comforts the mourning and turns beauty to ashes. He gives us a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit! Wow….I needed that….maybe you do too. Be Encouraged as you read….
Is Jesus Enough?
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14
Peggy was dreading Christmas. She and her husband would be alone for the first time—no kids, no grandkids, no huge meal to prepare. Peggy’s emotions were swirling. “This just isn’t going to be Christmas,” she mused. The still, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispered, “Am I enough?” That question pierced her heart. Had she allowed her family to become an idol? Was God permitting these circumstances so that Peggy could worship Him alone?
The true celebration of Christmas is the gift of Jesus. We want to share that joy with family and friends. But it’s easy to become so distracted with all the preparations that we miss Jesus. When anything usurps our enjoyment of Christ Himself, something has gone askew. God’s gentle rebuke served to turn Peggy’s attitude around. When everything else was taken away, Jesus remained. Peggy discovered that He was more than enough!
A Child Is Born
On that first Christmas morn, angels gave glory to God in the highest! All the focus was on Jesus, the Christ Child, the Messiah, the Savior of the world! Jesus’ coming fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy, “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isaiah 61:1–3).
Jesus is more than enough! Worship Him alone. Glory to God in the highest!
What Christmas traditions do you cling to? How would you feel if things changed? How could you make Jesus the focal point, not only at Christmas but throughout the year?
*Excerpt from Peace in the Storms of Life, pg 156-157