Today is our first Christmas away from our families.

My first thought waking up was that it doesn’t feel like Christmas. I didn’t go to a candlelight service last night. My siblings and I didn’t stay up way too late watching Die Hard and the Muppet Christmas Carol. We didn’t talk amongst ourselves when we finally went upstairs and decide what time we’d wake up to open gifts. My mom didn’t make a huge breakfast this morning. There isn’t a constant stream of Nigerians dropping in to say hello. It doesn’t feel like Christmas.

But all those things are just the traditions that evolved out of my family’s celebration of Christmas. They are not what the holiday is about.

Rob, Xander, and I are here in Arkansas, away from our family during Christmas, because God called Rob to lead the people of Eastside Baptist Church in worship. In authentic worship. Not to observe traditions, or to facilitate a social club, or to sing our favorite songs, or to create a production. But to truly worship of a very real God.

I am reminded this Christmas of the God we serve. We don’t serve a baby in a manger; we serve a holy God who became flesh in order to become the sacrifice for our sins. A God who conquered death in order that we may have eternal life.

My family is here because of Luke 2:14

"Glory to God in the highest,
      and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

We are here, very simply, to bring glory to God. The last 5 words, which we love to leave out because it doesn’t sound inclusive, is the best part. We were all excluded until Jesus made the way for us.

I have done nothing to earn God’s favor. In fact, I have done everything to earn his wrath. But he extended grace to me, undeserving as I am, so that I may have peace.

So this Christmas, I am reflecting on grace – God’s unmerited favor.

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Tags: faith, paragould