Christmas is Here
Well, the Christmas season is in full swing. Christmas day will be here before we know it; 14 days and counting. This is such a fun time of year with family, decorations, parties, events, shopping, gifts, travel, and the list goes on. However, it is so easy to plan too much. This can make the holiday season so stressful. In the midst of an overwhelmed schedule, it is so easy to become distracted from the real reason we celebrate Christmas – Jesus’ birthday. AHHH! Jesus’s birth, the world’s first ever Christmas miracle.
Christmas Miracle
Not only was Jesus the first Christmas miracle, I would also say that His birth was also the best Christmas miracle of all time. On a scale of Christmas miracles, I think
“27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary… 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.” Luke 1:27, 30-31 KJV
First and for most, He was born of a virgin. Miracle – Absolutely! At no other time in history has this ever happened. Secondly, angels were involved. God sent angels to both Mary and Joseph to prepare them both for what was about to happen. Miracle – Yes! Third, there was a star that led the three wise men to baby Jesus. They were able to find Jesus AND make it there before God told Joseph to leave during the night. Miracle – I Think So! Most importantly, Jesus came to earth to live with us and save all of humanity; this gives us the opportunity for eternal life with God. Miracle – You Better Believe It! Jesus’ birth is timeless. His Christmas miracle spans the ages; past, present, and future. Jesus is everyone’s Christmas miracle. His miracle is a gift that keeps on giving. So, I think it’s safe to say that His birth is the top Christmas miracle of all time. Even though Jesus’ birth is the ultimate Christmas miracle, He did not stop there. The Bible is full of stories about miracles that Jesus completed during His time here on Earth.
Jesus’ Ministry
Once Jesus grew and matured into a man He began His ministry by teaching, spreading the word, and completing miracles. He healed the sick, lame, blind, and diseased. Jesus cast out demons. He calmed a storm, walked on water, and turned water into wine. There were times when Jesus fed thousands with very little and even brought the dead back to life. Jesus did so many more things during His ministry that are not even written.
“25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” John 21:25 KJV
As I was studying Jesus’ miracles, God revealed some overarching themes. First, all these miracles were used to demonstrate His authority and power. The miracles were meant to prove to everyone that He is in fact the son of God. Next, Jesus also used them as teaching tools. He seemed to always have a lesson of some sort with each miracle. Last, these miracles demonstrate his compassion, grace, and restoration for us. Can you imagine living in that time and actually being in His presence? WOW – it’s hard to even imagine. We don’t witness miracles in quite the same way today as they did back then. But make no mistake, miracles do still happen.
The Challenge
Miracles today come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. They may or may not involve angels. They may come from an earthly angel – you. What may seem insignificant to you may be a miracle for someone else. Sometimes the smallest thing is the biggest miracle. Case in point, a small helpless baby is the savior of the world and the greatest Christmas miracle of all time. Jesus is no longer “physically” here with us; however, he is here in our hearts. We are now His hands and feet on Earth.
Jesus began whispering a challenge to my heart. “There are 14 days left until Christmas. Will you shine like a star leading people to God? How will you be My hands and feet. What miracles will you carry out for Me? Stay alert and listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit; He will prompt you when it’s time. Then, seize your miracle calling, even if it seems insignificant.”
This Christmas season will you stay focused on Jesus, the greatest Christmas miracle of all time? Will you be His hands and feet? There is still enough time for a Christmas miracle; even more than one. How will you be a miracle to someone else? When the Holy Spirit is at work, something as simple as a hug, smile, cup of coffee, or Christmas wassail can be someone’s miracle. Maybe it’s a prayer or the gift of friendship. Or, maybe it is something big! The possibilities are endless! Your miracle calling may only be a piece in a much bigger miracle. You may never know if what you do is a miracle to that person. The key is to stay alert and open to the promptings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit. What are They guiding you to do? So, will you join me in being the hands and feet of Jesus? Will you seize your miracle calling, even if it seems crazy or silly?
Lets Brew Christmas Miracles!
What if a miracle you have experienced in your life? Comment below!