As I sit in my quiet home this Christmas day, I began to thank God for the many blessings he has given me. I begin to reflect on years past, my journey in this life. It quickly turns to Jesus, his journey, his purpose, his story. I have a question for you. Have you found your purpose in life? Where do you look for purpose? Do you realize that you are the star in your own story?
When I came across this picture, it is just a highlight of so many stories of the most wonderful book given to man, The Bible which is God breathed, and tells the birth of Jesus, the journey that his parents took to get to Bethlehem. The journey of the shepherds and wise-men as they were drawn to see Jesus. Jesus first “Christmas presents” of gold, represented kingship. Frankincense was a sacred anointing oil used in sacrificial sacrifices. Myrrh was used an as anointing oil, used to anoint all items in the Tabernacle, and for the priests. God’s gift to the world, Jesus became our High Priest, our Sacrifice and our King.
I picture Jesus as a toddler, growing up as a small boy. As he became older he was growing in wisdom and knowledge, created in the image of God. Jesus the anointed, the word was God and dwelt among us. Throughout his journeys, we read about the miracles he performed. His love for humanity is an example to us all. His purpose was clear, but those who celebrated him were also the ones that rejected him.
Jesus didn’t come just to be born; he came to die. His death was planned before the foundations of the world. You will call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.
His story continues. He is working through us in our cities now as if he was then in the streets of Jerusalem. Let his story, become your story when you choose to accept Jesus into your heart.
My story like others may hold times of sorrow and sadness, great moments, regrets, or wishing pages were ripped out, but It’s my story. My purpose is clear, my story isn’t over, and neither is yours. This Christmas day, remember God’s purpose in sending Jesus. Remember Jesus journey, his message and choose to allow him to be in your story. As parents and grandparents, speak to your kids and grand-kids about Jesus, lead them to Jesus. Just as the wise-men and shepherds went to find this baby, may they always seek after the one gift that is more precious than those wrapped under the tree today. Remind them that God has a purpose and plan for their life, they must choose to follow him.
I pray that you receive the Gift of Eternal life, the gift of peace, the gift of hope, and the gift of forgiveness this year. Young and old, visit your parents more often, life on this earth is temporary. Love like Jesus loved. One day our journey on this earth will come to an end. The moment we take our last breath on this earth, we will take our first in heaven.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and I pray that God blesses you and your family abundantly in 2024.