Simply Christmas a Five-Day Reading Plan to Reclaim the Peace of the Holidays by Tama FortnerSample

Because Jesus Was Born

Scripture: John 10:10; Philippians 2:5-11; Revelation 21:4

I think about the world Jesus was born into—a world of foreign occupation and murderous kings. Of lying officials and cheating tax collectors. A world that, in many ways, is not so very different from our own.

Solomon once declared, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9, NIV). And when it comes to the chaos, evil, and sin of mankind, his words prove to be far truer than we would like them to be. Especially when we look into the eyes of the little ones looking to us to show them the way. Yet this worldly kingdom—this world we and ours were born into—is only temporary. It’s the Kingdom of Christ that will last forever.

While we don’t know all the details about the heaven that is coming, we know this beautiful truth: “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4, NKJV). Our souls long for heaven, our home.

And someday, we will be there, in that Kingdom that never ends. All because Jesus was born into this world.

Lord, My Redeemer, I praise You for this life You’ve given me—and for the promise of life forever with You. Amen.

Reclaiming Christmas

Jesus died to give us life in Him (John 10:10). A life that is “rich and satisfying” (NLT), “in abundance . . . to the full, till it overflows” (AMPC). Are we living that life? Or are we lost in the dust and dirt, the deadlines and distractions? Do something today that fills you up that makes you feel alive and overflowing. Maybe it’s as simple as blowing bubbles with a child (or without), taking a walk, or laughing until your sides hurt. Or maybe it’s something more, like surprising a neighbor with an unexpected gift, volunteering at a shelter, or helping where your heart sees a need. Live abundantly today.