12-25-2021 1:15am

Strong spirits: Christmas for you?

Photo: Valeria Boltneva

What can be said about Christmas that hasn't already been said? By the way, I hope yours is/was wonderful!

We know the story. We have our traditions. We gather to worship, and eat, and exchange gifts. What else?

Maybe Paul can help...
"Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; ratherm, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death- even death on the cross!" (Philippians 2:5-8 NIV)

Maybe John can help:
"The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood." (John 1:14 The Message)

Nothing new here. But it is important to consider the wonder, the magnitude, the incomprehensibility of the all-mighty God becoming one of us. Moving in with us. Being a friend. And still more, of going to the cross for us. To rescue us from our brokenness, rebellion, sin, and death. Really? He did that for me?

Stunning. The reason he came. Christmas is nothing without Good Friday and Easter.

Go ahead. Be amazed.

Gary Schwerin serves as pastor at Caledonia Congregational Church. He is also the Spiritual Development Minister for the YMCA of the Rock River Valley and Executive Director of Bridge Ministries of Rockford. Prior to launching Bridge Ministries, Gary spent many years in leadership with Young Life. His columns appear here every Sunday - subscribe to our daily email so you don't miss any.