I often hear about the importance of thankfulness and gratitude at Christmas, a season in which the world around us seems to become so consumerist. Let’s remember what Christmas is really all about and be thankful. To help myself remember I have made a list of a few things I am thankful to God for this Christmas:
He always had a plan for our good
Isaiah 7 v 14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isaiah 9:6-7: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this
How incredible that these well-known prophecies from the book of Isaiah were given approximately 700 years before Jesus was born. This shows us that God always had a plan. From the start of creation in Genesis 1, He knew what would happen. He knew we would fall short and sin, but He had a plan for us. It was a plan for our good, for our salvation.
God with us
The promise was Immanuel. The saviour that the Jewish people knew was promised was coming and his name, Immanuel, means God with us. No matter what circumstances we may be in, we can be thankful that God is always with us. God’s perfect plan was to restore us to a relationship with Him, that we would be adopted as co-heirs with Christ.
He understands
How incredible that this promised saviour would be born in a stable. Our Lord Jesus was fully God and He was also as much a human being as you and I. He didn’t have an easy life, from being born in a manger, Herod wanting to kill Him, He had a humble job as a carpenter, and eventually, to the cross. He knew suffering and pain. He knew anger and sadness. Our God isn’t a dim and distant figure, He is with us, and He understands us. That is why he is Wonderful Counselor. He is our brother and friend.
I am also grateful for my family and that I am able to see and celebrate Christmas with them after a tough year of lockdowns and limited contact. I am grateful that I have my job when so many have lost theirs during lockdown. I am grateful for new friendships made in the last year.
I am also grateful for everyone who reads and supports his blog.
Thank you all and I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.