Let us today go down to Bethlehem, and in company with wondering shepherds and adoring Magi, let us see him who was born King of the Jews, for we by faith can claim an interest in him, and can sing, “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given.”

Peace should never be the end goal for the believer, but a result of a goal. Look at Jesus as an example: the founder and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross (Heb. 12:2). The goal was obedience and glory to God the Father. The result was glory, honor, joy, and peace. 

Will everything ever be as it should be, when all we know is what shouldn’t be? This is a question for Christmas, when God became man to crack the curse.

Yet, though already reigning King, Jesus will come again to rule and reign in full. Into our world of darkness of fog, he will return and dwell with us and reign over us.

As Christians, we should remember that there is no such thing as mere food or a simple holiday dinner. Our feasting carries a much deeper meaning. When we feast, there is something special—something spiritual—that is happening that we rarely stop to appreciate.

For Irenaeus, history is integral to the incarnation. Christ is taking on our entire story and in the life of Christ, we see all of salvation history recapitulated.

The ancient church calendar rhythms and weekly worship rhythms of the local church can be powerful counter-formational forces in our lives.

Charles Spurgeon loved Christmas. In fact, he once said, “I like Christmas; I wish it came six times a year.”

Rest today in the One whose four great names bring all of his own real peace. And as you rest, let even greater hope be awakened in your soul, for the brilliance of Christ’s light gets even better!