“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given…and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father [of Eternity], Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah‬ ‭9:6‬ ‭AMPC‬‬)

It is not about the carols. It is not about the colourful and breath-taking Christmas lights. It is not about Father Christmas. It is not about the gifts. It is not even about the gathering of loved ones. All of these things are part of the Christmas season and it is not wrong doing it, but instead exciting. Christmas is all about the Sacrifice.

A sacrifice that brought us to the door of new life. A sacrifice that enabled us to become more than what we were ever capable of in our own strengths. A sacrifice that lead us to surrender everything to the point of dying to self so that we can become what we were meant to be. A sacrifice that allows us to just BE. A sacrifice that was not dependent on what we do, what we look like, or how connected we are but it is all about the One who made the choice.

What was the sacrifice?

It was the ultimate sacrifice of love of a Father. A Father who was willing to give up His only Son to die for us, who are sinners by birth. A Father who was willing to place on hold all the plans He had to get back His chosen people who rejected Him. A Father who was willing to let His Son become the least so that others can get access to every blessing of goodness He ordained for them to have.

The sacrifice of a beloved child.

A sacrifice out of the love of a Father that will never be understood by the mere human mind but can only be entertained by the heart of a soul called and destined by God to return to Him.

“God has shown us his love by sending his only Son into the world so that we could have life through him. This is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the payment for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10 GW)

Christmas is a reminder of God’s love for us, not because of who we are but because of who He is. A love that brought His Son, Jesus Christ to us. A love that empowers us to live the God-ordained lives we are only able to do through Christ in us. All of this is possible only because of the love that led to the sacrifice of a Father giving up His child for you and me.

A child who is the personification of God’s promises. A child who became our salvation. A child who became our hope. A child who became our light and greater glory. He is our song. He is the bearer of our Good News bearer. He is our gift.

Rest this festive season in the knowledge that God loves you unconditionally and gave His Son for you to become like you, yet remain majestic so that you can now have the greater glory with Him.

Maretha Retief