Isaiah 53:5 (NRSVue) - But he was wounded for our
transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that
made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.
Christmas is upon us.
So why would I be opening with this verse from Isaiah?
After all, Christmas is supposed to be a joyous time.
It is supposed to be a celebration.
It is supposed to be about the birth of a child.
It is supposed to be about shepherds and angels.
It is supposed to be about glad tidings and peace on earth.
So why exactly would I open with that verse?
Perhaps I should explain.
Christmas is not about us reaching up to God.
Christmas is about the moment when God reached down to us.
And God reached down in a most remarkable way.
But the birth of Christ is merely the beginning of the account.
Scripture also tells us about the life Jesus led.
It tells us how he reached out to those whom society ignored.
It also tells us what would ultimately befall the child whose birth we celebrate.
It tells of those who plotted against Him.
It tells of the one who betrayed Him.
It tells of the one who denied Him.
And it tells us of the price He paid.
Importantly, it tells us why.
Romans 8:32 (NRSVue) - He who did not withhold his own Son but gave him up for all of us, how will he not with him also give us everything else?
Yes, we should celebrate the birth of Christ.
But that is just the beginning of the story.
Fortunately for us, His death is not the end of the story.
For if we look beyond the cross, we will see an empty tomb.
So, celebrate the birth of Christ!
Just make certain you celebrate his entire life and resurrection.
Celebrate the fact that God reached down to us in such a remarkable way!
Christmas Blessings,
Jim Pokorny
The Other Brother Jim
Look for me at faithfulfeetteam.blogspot.com on Friday, January
2, 2026.
I will be back here on Friday, January 9, 2026
