He Knows What It’s Like

When Jesus walked among us, He didn’t empty Himself of His divine attributes, but He did accept the limitations of humanity.

In Philippians 2, we read, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross” (verse 6–8 NLT).

We know from Scripture that Jesus was tired. On one occasion, as He came to the city of Samaria, the Bible tells us that He was weary (see John 4:6 NLT). He had been walking all day, probably in the scorching heat of Israel.

How easily could Jesus have said to His disciples, “You go ahead. I’ll meet you there.” Then He could have simply appeared in Samaria. After all, He was God. Why tire yourself out like that?

Yet Jesus voluntarily went through the process of feeling what it was like to be tired and exhausted.

We also know that Jesus felt hungry. During His temptation in the wilderness, He was hungry after fasting for 40 days and nights (see Matthew 4:2). The Bible also tells us that He experienced physical thirst. Hanging on the cross, He cried out, “I thirst!” (John 19:28 NKJV). The very God who created water, who could speak to a rock and cause water to gush out, experienced thirst.

Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin” (NLT).

We have a God who knows what it’s like to walk in our shoes. He knows what we’re going through.

He Came With Great Joy

Christ knew the glories and splendor of heaven. And yet, He left heaven for earth, and He did so with joy. How can it be that Jesus was delighted to leave the majesty of heaven and come to this broken world? Though He was counted among the poorest of the poor and the lowest of the low; though He was placed in a feeding trough normally reserved for animals; though most of His life was spent in a small town as a humble carpenter; though He had no place to lay His head during His earthly ministry; though He was betrayed by His closest friends; though He was falsely accused and arrested by the religious leaders of His day; though He was spat upon and whipped with lashes until His skin was torn; though He wore a crown of thorns and His hands and feet were nailed to a cross—He endured it all “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2).

Jesus, God in the flesh, lived and died and walked under the weight of the worst this world has to offer, and He did it for people—for rebellious, sinful, evil people. For you and for me. We are His joy. The Lord did not act reluctantly, begrudgingly, or angrily. No, He did everything He was asked to do with pure joy. He was pleased to come to earth at Christmas and to die on Good Friday because He could look down through the centuries and see that millions upon millions of people would be saved eternally. Thus, He delighted to do what needed to be done and carry our sentence—your punishment and mine.

This Christmas, find your joy where Jesus did—in doing the will of God. Reflect on the beauty of the cross and what it means for you and all of humanity. Thank the Lord that Jesus did not waver but found His joy in perfect obedience. Above all, know that God loves you. The glories of heaven are yours and mine, awaiting us in eternity. Jesus purchased this future hope for us on the cross because of an unconditional love.

Merry Christmas to you and your family,
Pastor Seth Wilkerson

Has the Grinch Stolen Your Christmas?

Without a doubt, Christmas is to be a time of GREAT JOY.  On that first Christmas night, the angel announced to the shepherds “good news of a great joy.”  The Savior has come!!  WOW!!  Those shepherds were so excited.  That announcement changed their lives forever.  They were filled with joy and wonder and praise.

At Christmas time, are you filled with joy and wonder and praise?  Or has the devil, the original Grinch, the thief who comes only to steal and kill and destroy, stolen those things from you?  If so, there is still time to get it back!

Think about the angel’s announcement, “There has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  What does that really mean for you and me? 

1.  The Savior has come to save you from a dark past.  So many people are suffering with intense guilt over bad things they have done in the past.  The devil beats them to death with shame and guilt.  But be beaten no longer!  All the terrible, horrible things you have done are no match for the Savior’s blood that He shed for you on the cross.  The moment you confess those sins to God and repent of them, you are forgiven!!  Remember what the Savior said to Peter, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy” (Acts 10:15).

2.  The Savior has come to save you from an empty present.  Many people are surviving and not really living.  Jesus came at Christmas not to fill your empty stocking, but to fill your empty life!  He has a purpose and a plan for you.  Come to Him.  Surrender to Him.  Let Him lead you.  He wants to bring you joy and peace, regardless of your circumstances.  He wants to use your life to make a difference in others, a difference that will last for all eternity.  It makes life worth living to know that everyday is an exciting adventure with the Lord, an opportunity to touch another person with the love and joy of Jesus.

3.  The Savior has come to save you from a hopeless future.  Everyone without God is without hope.  Before the birth of the Christ Child things were hopeless. But now He has come, and we can really know Him personally, and we can be assured of His presence and provision while we live … and His heaven when we die.  Paul said, “Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Cor. 2:9).  WOW!  What a future is in store for the child of God!

My friend, do not let the devil steal from you and your Christmas time any longer!  The Savior has come, and He has come for you!  Receive the good news and rejoice in the truth!

Avoiding Family Christmas Chaos

It’s December and we’ve all got one thing on our mind—well, maybe two: Winter is right around the corner and Christmas won’t be far behind. 

For many, the Christmas holiday brings with it not only the hope that is inherent in the holiday but significant stress. While we all believe we should be filled with hope, joy and glad tidings, this is often not the case. 

The holidays, for all their merriment and tradition, are incredibly stressful for many. All of a sudden expectations change. Families interact more frequently and tensions and losses are remembered. 

When it comes to gathering with family, some of you have unique stresses. Many have been raised to put their extended family first, even above their own well-being. Many struggle to find the right pace and balance for their life during what can be a very joyful season. But, how do we deal with people who make us feel “crazy,” and what can we do to protect ourselves? 

First, keep things in perspective. While the holiday melodies suggest perfect peace and harmony with all the family sitting on the hearth alongside Fido and Mittens, you may not be on the best terms with some of your family. This much closeness may reawaken resentments and remind you of unfinished business. 

Acknowledge your situation, exactly as it is, instead of believing that everyone else has a perfect family except you. We are inclined to believe that the Joneses next door all love one another immensely and have never had a cross word in their lives. Truth is, most families are pretty typical—they have their share of problems. The Hallmark cards of perfection are just that—picture perfect—not realistic. Keep that in mind as you make plans for the holidays. 

Second, set healthy boundaries. If you have family tension, and even if you don’t, be careful not to overindulge in family over the holidays. Just like too much turkey at Thanksgiving can make you feel bloated, too much family can do the same thing. Sometimes a little goes a long way. Make conscious choices about who you want to be with, and who you don’t. Plan accordingly. You are grown up now and can make choices for yourself. You can decide how much time to spend with Aunt Marge and Uncle Ted. You can decide to travel less and spend more time with your immediate family. 

Third, these gatherings are opportunities to mend fences. Perhaps there will be a time to sit down with your brother/parent and straighten out the grudge you’ve held for three years now and can hardly remember exactly what started it. Maybe you will get a chance to tell your brother, again, that you look forward to strengthening your relationship in the coming year. This is an opportunity to alter old patterns of relating to parents that have been rigidly in place for years.  Our parents can surprise us with their willingness to relate differently. 

Fourth, simplify and slow down. There is a strong tendency to add lots of things, and activities, to the holidays. As the music in the background picks up the tempo, and folks walk faster and escalators even seem to pick up speed, remember there are no medals awarded to the individual or family that goes to the most Christmas parties, has the most family get-togethers, or who hands out the most elaborate gifts. Frenetic activity over the holidays only leads to exhaustion and sometimes adds to winter blues. Often the most meaningful times are those spent with immediate family or with two or three close friends sitting quietly sharing dreams and renewing acquaintances.  

Fifth, share the load. Ask for help. Let others give you a hand for a change. Many helping hands make for a lighter load. If you decide you really do want to have the family dinner at your house, give some thought, ahead of time, to how others can help you so that you aren’t a one-man band. Again, this is no time to be a hero. Let it be known that things are changing for you—you welcome help. 

Finally, know your purpose and establish your own traditions. What is meaningful to you? Do you even know what that is? Do you want to take in the Handel’s Messiah again, or is it time to have a simple meal with friends instead? Do you want to have your extended family over, or is it time to just relax and enjoy the festivities with your immediate family? What is your idea of the perfect Christmas? Are there special religious traditions that are important to you? Be true to yourself. Consider the meaning of this holiday season to you and honor it. Don’t let the obligations of the season eliminate “Merry” from Christmas. Celebrate, but celebrate in a way that brings personal joy and happiness.