Good News
He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from Him, and peace to the Jews who were near. Now all of us can come to the Father through the same Holy Spirit because of what Christ has done for us. So now you Gentiles are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family. Together, we are His house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus Himself.
Ephesians 2:17-20 (NLT)
It’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. In the hustle and hurry of everyday life, we can get focused on all the wrong things. That’s valid year-round, but perhaps especially so at Christmas. With parties and family gatherings and travel and shopping and a million other things, we can struggle to keep Jesus at the center of Christmas. And while decorating the trees and singing carols is wonderful, this time of year should celebrate the arrival of the King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the Good News—that He has come to redeem.
Redemption is available to people from every walk of life. In biblical times, this would have been difficult for Jews to believe. They took such pride in being God’s chosen people that many had developed a disdain for Gentiles. Yet Paul clarifies in the passage above (and many others) that the Good News of Jesus is for all.
Even from the story of Jesus’ birth, we see God welcoming those who wouldn’t ordinarily have been invited. God led the Wise Men from far away, Gentiles, and likely not even followers of God. The shepherds from nearby were about as low on the totem pole as you could get. And yet they too are invited to be a part of the single most significant moment in all human history.
Because of the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ, we Gentiles are graciously welcomed into the family of God. What a gracious gift!
Application: Slow down and be still for a few moments. Ask God to help you keep Jesus at the center of the Christmas season. Thank Him for welcoming you into His family.
Prayer:
God,
Help me to keep my eyes on what matters most: Your Son Jesus. Thank You for sending Him to redeem Your people. Use me to advance Your Kingdom this holiday season.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?