Friday, December 5, 2008

Happy Birthday, Jesus!
By Jen Wollner

“…I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11

I’m not sure how it started, but somewhere along the way, the tradition of making a wish before blowing out birthday candles became popular. As a kid, I actually believed that my wish would come true. I, of course, know better now and don’t make a wish, but I can see the appeal in it. We all have a list of items that we want, or events that we would like to have happen in our lives. If only it were as easy as making a wish on our birthday candles!

Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birth. And, I wonder, if He had a cake, with the candles lit, what would He wish for before blowing them out? What is important to Him? What does He desire to happen in the world and in our individual lives? There are several possible answers to those questions, but here are just a few:
  • Salvation for all people through His death on the cross: “…He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance .”(2 Peter 3:9)
  • Undying love from all those who believe in Him: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:30)
  • Changed lives as evidence of a love relationship with Him: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We have the choice to make Jesus’ desires become reality in our lives. If we come to Him in faith and receive His gift of salvation, we can spend eternity in heaven with Him. And, if we live out that salvation in a deep, intimate relationship with Him—loving Him lavishly and fulfilling His purposes for our lives—we will experience exceeding blessing and joy.

This Christmas, as we celebrate Jesus’ birthday, let’s commit to focusing on His desires for us…our salvation, our undying love for Him and our changed lives because of Him. May all His “wishes” come true in our lives this year!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Have you had a moment in your life when you repented and asked Jesus to be your Savior? If you aren’t sure, consider doing that now. If you have, take a moment to savor that memory.
2. What’s holding you back from loving Jesus and surrendering to Him all that you are and have?
3. In what specific ways has your life changed because of your relationship with Him?

FURTHER READING:
John 3:16; Deuteronomy 10:12-13; John 15:10-12

Jen and her husband are busily parenting three children under the age of 6. Jen heads Oakwood’s Fresh Start ministry.

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