Our thoughts of baby Jesus make us glad like Mary’s did for her: “My spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:47). It is nice knowing God is with us. This child stirs us like the finger of God churned the pool of Bethesda so the lame, blind, and paralyzed knew it was time to jump in and be healed. This child troubles us because he wants in.
Come into our hearts, Lord Jesus, and disturb our complacencies. Move us to find healing for our ills of body and of soul. We will go where you lead because it’s no trouble if you are with us.
Our thoughts of baby Jesus challenge us like Simeon’s challenged him: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many” (Luke 2:34). It is unsettling to think about Jesus’ destiny as we approach his cradle. This child would grow up and die on a cross. Do we believe in him or not? When he comes into our hearts, we commit ourselves to a life with serious implications. We collapse under the weight of our sins to be lifted up again in this child’s grace. He has the power to calm the storms we create for ourselves like he stilled the Sea of Galilee later in his life. This baby wants into troubled hearts.
Come into our hearts, Jesus, and convince us that we will always be better off because you are there.
The urgency of evangelism
One afternoon I was staring at the screen of my laptop, trying to come up with a sermon theme for an upcoming message on…
Things will be better
“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid. . . . He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of…
Thank you for the privilege
“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our…
About the Author
Jason Nelson
Jason had a career as a teacher, counselor, and leader. He has written and spoken extensively on a variety of topics related to the Christian life. He has been a contributing writer for Time of Grace since 2010. Jason lives with his wife, Nancy, in Wisconsin.