I Hate Messing Up

We had a mock powerlifting competition at the gym on Saturday. And with my very first lift, perfection slipped away from me.  My squat went well, the depth was good, and the weight felt great. But, I didn’t wait for the command to rack the bar. Rattled by my error, I fought off tears. I had to get my head back in the game quickly to stay in the competition.  As one who struggles with perfectionism, I hate messing up. So, I console myself with the fact there is only one person whose life on earth is a spotless record.

Only Christ Lived an Unblemished Life

Christ came to earth a spotless unblemished Lamb. He lived His entire life without a sin associated with His name.  Dare I focus on the cross before celebrating the King laid in the manger? I hate messing up. But, this is no mistake. Part of the wonder associated with His birth is the reason for His coming. He came to die. Jesus came to earth to be the perfect sacrifice. He came to make atonement for sin—ours, not His.

God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood—to be received by faith. Romans 3:25a NIV

Celebrate The King

God, the Father, sent Christ, the Son, the King of Kings, to liberate us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin!  We celebrate Christmas because of Easter. Christ came to earth with the end goal in mind. The end goal was not about Christmas trees, turkey dinners,  or chestnuts roasting on an open fire. The end goal involved deep love for you and me and a desire to reconcile us to God. As we make room in our hearts to celebrate the birth of the long-awaited Savior, may we also make room for gratitude that He was born with us on His mind.

Let’s Reflect

When Christ came to earth, He had you in mind. What does that thought mean to you? How will it impact your celebration this Christmas?

Let’s Pray

Father God, we are so grateful that You know the end from the beginning. You sent Your Son to earth to redeem us from sin. Thank You, Lord. Thank You! May we celebrate Christmas with an acknowledgment of why You came. And may we feel Your tangible presence in our celebrations. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.