Growing up, when I thought of Jesus at Christmas, I pictured a baby in a manger. On Good Friday, I envisioned the cross and on Easter, an empty tomb. It took a while before I realized Jesus is much bigger than those holidays. In a recent article at BibleStudyTools.com I look at “The Jesus of Christmas Past, Present, and Future” and how His life impacts us today.
Below is the intro with a link to the rest of the article and the winner of last week’s drawing.
The Jesus of Christmas Past, Present, and Future
“If you want to see your father alive, you must come now.” Our young family had stopped at my sister’s house on our way from Indiana to Georgia to see Daddy. My stepmother’s call shook me. Were we too late?
An hour into our trip two complete rainbows arched over our highway. Despite my heavy heart, I marveled as we passed through the twin semi-circles of color. God was with us, no matter what lay ahead.
Daddy’s shrunken body looked more like the poster child for a famine-relief group than the man who’d carried me as a child on his shoulders. He squeezed my hand, and I knew Daddy was still with us.
My father didn’t volunteer for the cancer that robbed his strength and life. In contrast, my Savior willingly laid aside His life and glory to rescue us. The startling change in Daddy can’t compare with what Jesus gave up when He left heaven to become the sacrifice that takes away our sin. Remembering Jesus’s past, present, and future, helps me better appreciate Advent season.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Cor. 8:9 NIV).
Where Was Jesus Before the First Christmas?
One of the most poignant Christmas cards I ever received depicted the Father looking down on tiny planet earth, waving goodbye to His Son. To better appreciate this, let’s look at who Jesus was before the first Christmas. Continue reading at Bible Study Tools.
Congratulations the winner of Donna Schlachter’s new novel— A Mommy By Christmas.
Mary Did You Know?
A beautiful song reminding us that Jesus was no ordinary baby.
Where was Jesus before the first #Christmas? Where is He now? Why does it matter? #hope Click To TweetYou can comment here.
Blessings,
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Love this reminder of our amazing Jesus Christ!
Hallelujah, what a Savior! Thanks, Connie.
I always appreciate connecting the message of Christmas and the triumph of Easter. Thank you Debbie. Loved these reflections!
Merry Christmas, Sylvia!
Debbie, you did a wonderful job of laying out the eternal presence of Jesus. Thank you!
So much more we could say. Thanks, Annie.
When we remember Christ’s existed in eternity past and laid all that aside to become one of us His birth has more meaning. Merry Christmas, Debbie!
It certainly does for me. Merry Christmas, Barbara, and welcome home!
Love this whole piece, Debbie! Praise Jesus He has come, is with us, and is coming again!
Amen!! Come Lord Jesus!
Absolutely beautiful Debbie and such a much needed and relevant reminder – He IS with us!!
That makes all the difference. Merry Christmas, Ann!
I’m so sorry about the loss of your father. Cancer is terrible. It’s easy to forget that Jesus gave up everything to save us. How often do I ignore his gift.
Cancer is terrible, as you well know from your experience with your husband. Yes, I can’t comprehend what Jesus gave up to rescue me. I’m re-listening to The Magician’s Nephew in audio book now. Aslan says evil will come into his new world, but he will take the worst of it to save those in his world. Lewis was a master of giving us these pictures of Jesus.
An incredible message Debbie. Hallelujah for the gift of the babe in the manger.
Yes, what an amazing gift and at what a high cost.
This was beautifully written and I enjoyed it so much that I plan to read it to my little Bible study group next week. I’m also a NC girl and say y’all all the time . Christmas Blessings to you and your family!!
Thank you, Cathy. I hope it encourages your group. Merry Christmas to a fellow Southerner. 🙂
In the beginning Jesus was here and He is still with us. I loved how you shared this message of His eternity and everlasting presence in our lives. Wishing you and your family a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Thank you, Katherine. Merry Christmas to you!
Beautiful and encouraging message! Jesus – always was, always is, and always will be!
It is amazing to think Jesus willingly came down here, knowing that horrific death he would face at the end. Beautiful reflections, Debbie.
Debbie, I’ve never seen the Christmas card you mentioned, but it sounds astounding. I like how you note that Jesus is bigger than all these holidays. We are so limited in our thoughts and celebrations, but as you said, Jesus is the great I AM. He’s more than natural, He’s supernatural!
Amen! Thanks, Karen. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Knowing what He did makes knowing who He is all the more amazing doesn’t it Ms. Debbie? Loved this post ma’am. Great thoughts.
It certainly does. Merry Christmas J.D.!