A Word from the Vine No. 507: The Continuous Celebration of Christmas

Hello, dear friends, and welcome to another episode of A Word from the Vine. I'm Pastor Loren Christensen of Danish Countryside Chapel in Exira, Iowa, and I'm so glad you could join me today. As we begin a new series titled "Living the Christmas Truth Every Day," we'll explore how the message of Christmas can transform our daily lives. Today, we'll start by discussing the continuous celebration of Christmas.

Christmas is more than just a day; it’s a daily reminder of God’s love and grace. We celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to bring hope and salvation. Imagine waking up each morning with the same sense of wonder and gratitude we feel on Christmas Day.

The birth of Jesus was miraculous, bringing light into darkness. As we reflect on the humble setting of His birth, we’re reminded that He came to bring us closer to God. Living the Christmas truth means carrying that light wherever we go and sharing it with others.

In Luke 2:40-52, we read about Jesus' early life. The passage tells us, "And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him." Even as a child, Jesus was focused on His relationship with God, setting an example for us to seek God daily.

The celebration of Christmas is not just about the festivities, the decorations, or the gifts. It is about the profound truth that God is with us. Emmanuel, God with us, is a reality that we can embrace every single day. This truth gives us strength in times of trouble, comfort in times of sorrow, and joy in times of celebration.

Consider the impact of living with the Christmas spirit every day. How would our relationships change if we approached each person with the same love and kindness that we feel during the Christmas season? How would our communities be transformed if we carried the light of Christ into every corner of our lives? The continuous celebration of Christmas has the power to bring about profound change, both in our hearts and in the world around us.

Let's reflect on Luke 2:40-52 once more: "And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him… And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man." This passage reminds us that even as a child, Jesus was focused on His relationship with God, setting an example for us to seek God daily.

Let's conclude with a prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to live out the Christmas truth every day, carrying the light of Christ with us wherever we go. Fill us with Your love, wisdom, and compassion, and guide us in all that we do. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I hope you'll tune in next time as we continue our series on "Living the Christmas Truth Every Day." Until then, may the light of Christ shine brightly in your life. God bless you.