A Backwards Christmas

I’ve written all these holiday blogs but they have rarely mentioned Jesus. That seems backwards.

I keep up with my “Bible in a year” plan every other year, except at Christmas time. That’s when I fall behind. That seems backwards.

It’s Christmas Eve and I’m the only one of my siblings at home right now. That seems backwards.

I have two degrees, a professional license and three years experience but can’t find a job. That seems backwards.

I feel worthless and ugly a lot of the time, but a lot of people love me despite my flaws. That seems backwards.

This Christmas has been a hard one for me.

I keep thinking about Jesus, this little baby that came for me. Jesus, this boy that saved the world. Jesus, this man who loves me like no other.

Oh, I thank God for that love.

How could I hear the stories I’ve heard, and not know His love?
How could I repent the sins I’ve committed and not trust His love?
How could I move through feelings of hopelessness and not count on His love?
How could I look into the faces of my niece and nephew and not see a glimpse of His love?
How could I grieve pain and loss and not rest in His love?
How could I offer myself in relationship and not learn from His love?
How could I love and be loved, forgive and be forgiven, if He hadn’t loved me first?

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul -my soul- felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

In this backwards world. I thank God for Jesus.

Advertisement