christmas Archives - Flannel with Faith

He wasn’t just any baby. This beloved babe, born of a virgin, came to love like no other. Live like no other. Forgive like no other. Die like no other—because he rose like no other. And like no other, he will come again. What did this beloved babe do to change the scope of my hope? How has he updated my lens of love and posture of praise? How does his life and death give me…freedom? Why do I celebrate Christmas?

How do you celebrate this season? How is it different from your childhood memories?

Childhood Christmas’s meant church cantatas, family gatherings, school plays, parades, caroling, hot chocolate, and a booming “Ho, ho, ho” from my Dad! What’s mantled in my memories? The sounds of Christmas songs, the feel of cheer and chilly air, and the car rides to my grandparents. Some soul-sniffing provides the smells of Christmas, too!

Ah, the Savior’s birth stirs my senses!

Traditions continued as I grew. As I’d celebrate the birth of Christ with my own family, some traditions continued, and new ones were created. Reading the Nativity story, seeing Christmas lights, and watching movies made the season magical. As I grew older, the birth of the beloved babe was often overshadowed by other “Christmasy” outings. Why was there an emphasis placed on performance and activities? Standards. They had to be met everywhere—school, home, and every other area of life. Standards snuffed out the significance of this beloved babe’s sacrifice. The sights, sounds, and smells became…standardized. Is that what the beloved babe intended?

The rigidity of religiosity, adoration in activity, and praise through performance set me up for…failure. Is that what the beloved babe intended?

“I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27

The beloved babe, surrounded by the humblest of people in a lowly setting, intended life to be lived…free. Our beloved babe, (fully God, fully man) became the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. Skimming the surface, or standardized celebrations, poorly represent my faith-filled freedom.

Doctrine doesn’t define and society’s standards can’t satisfy.This love was made real in surrender. The candles I’ve lit this Advent season represent the relationship I cherish with this beloved babe. “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” sing out of my soul! My heart’s longing was ONLY fulfilled through the freedom found from this beloved babe. He’s with me as I “run” free in the woods (just like a child!). He’s beside me when I’m in line at the store. He’s holding my hand at the infusion center. He’s beside me when I’m helping a student. When I’m lying awake at night, HE is there. Ah, freedom. HE is the hope, peace, joy, and love of my soul.

How can I convince others that this BELOVED BABE came to TAKE AWAY your frustrations and burdens? His tears and blood, from a manger in a cave,… to an old wooden cross,… were shed FOR YOU and for me. His gift of peace is a treasure! I choose to not waste his sacrifice by stressing over things that I can’t control. Or that don’t matter.

Fear failed when this beloved babe was born. He grew to be the man I cherish. The Savior I accepted. And the Holy Spirit who indwells IN me.

Do you REALLY KNOW how loved you are? Are you frustrated or faith-filled? Is your life performance-based or grown by grace? Do you feel trapped or free? I PRAY you experience the heart-changing, soul-shifting, and freedom-finding true gift of Christmas.