Romans 8:14 (NIV): For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
What a wonder it is: Celebrating the fact that Jesus was born into this world! It is a season of amazement, with lights, gifts, music, food and family. There is so much to enjoy.
I watched a cute movie on Netflix. It was nice and addressed when “Santa Claus” got started. It was fiction. It had nothing at all to do with Jesus. Nothing. I enjoyed the fictional movie, but was disappointed that there was no mention of the reason for the season.
I think our society has really embraced the secular. People may know that Christmas started as a celebration of Jesus’ birth, but so many now ignore that as part of their “Holiday” celebration. Who needs Jesus now?
Well… I know that I need Jesus. My dad passed away less than a month ago. My youngest daughter died almost nine years ago. In spite of their departure, I have hope that I will see them again. The evidence for God and of Jesus’ resurrection is compelling. My hope is not blind. It is based on the evidence I see all around me.
As I think about following Jesus, I come to verses like the one above. Paul tells me, even as he told the Romans 2,000 years ago, that there is more to following Jesus than just talk. I must be led by the Spirit. Only then, can I claim to be a child of God. Being led by the Spirit requires that I intentionally submit myself to His control in every single activity of my life. During this Christmas season, I choose to submit, to follow, and to celebrate.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus. Thank you for coming to this world. Thank you for dying on the cross and taking the punishment for my sins. Thank you for sending your Holy Spirit to lead me as a child. I am amazed and humbled by Your love.
