What’s Worth Celebrating?

Christmastime: The season of joyful singing, generous giving, and reflections of gratitude over the past year. We celebrate Jesus coming to save us and how our world has been fantastic ever since He left…right?

Well, we may not exactly feel that way this year. COVID has forced us to look past ourselves and the coverups of the mistreatment and pain many, if not all of us, experience over the course of our lives. We can’t hide behind bright lights, festive parties, and overspending.

And while vulnerability and honesty are valuable and important things we long for, we can’t help but have a bitter taste in our mouths as we struggle to find what’s worth celebrating these days.

So, what are we really celebrating when our world doesn’t feel like it’s been saved?

The one thing that can’t be changed: God’s love.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. You’re already tired of hearing the word “love”. Love is overused and over-simplified through Hallmark movies, seasonal proposals, and the occasional hopeless romantic in your life who is making a desperate search for a companion for the holidays. But the truth is, when we take the time to realize what love really is, we are able to have something worth celebrating.

Love, in the grandest form, is sacrificial. And Jesus surely made the ultimate sacrifice for us. When He came down as a poor, homeless baby, He knew what lie ahead of Him. Temptation, betrayal, mockery, and ultimate death on a cross. He knew He had to literally step into every single possible situation we might experience so that He can empathize with us. And though this mission was risky and unpleasant, He was willing to do whatever it took to show us how much He loves us.

But yet, though Jesus came to offer hope, justice, and compassion, our world seems to be lacking every quality of Jesus. In fact, life feels like it’s getting worse most of the time.

So how come it doesn’t feel like Jesus’ sacrifice paid off?

Well, the simple answer would be that Jesus isn’t done restoring our world. It will reach a breaking point and Jesus will return to redeem us once and for all.

But what are we to do in the meantime? Why couldn’t Jesus get the job done the first time?

I’m sure Jesus could, but He knew that allowing us to live in a broken world would cause us to value His love even more. When we experience hardships, especially at the hands of others, we are able to better appreciate being in a relationship with someone (Jesus) who loves us no matter what and always works for our good.

Christmas isn’t about celebrating an idealistic world that hasn’t come yet, though we can certainly anticipate a day with no more pain. Christmas isn’t about celebrating what we wish the world could be and feeling resentful that we haven’t achieved these goals yet.

Christmas is about living in our present, often difficult, circumstances and celebrating that even though we are flawed human beings, the God of the universe was (and is) willing to sacrifice everything just to be in a relationship with us. We are celebrating that His love for us reaches no end and we have the capability to extend that love to others, particularly around the holidays.

This Christmas, you can have a smile on your face and unexplainable joy in your heart as you remember how much Jesus loves you and is alongside you through your journey.

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

Romans 11:29

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

John 1:4-5

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him…

John 1:9-10

If you have an children in your life and are searching for a heartwarming, yet straightforward version of the Christmas story, here is a book I co-authored that shares the true meaning of Christmas!

To check out this book: https://www.blurb.com/b/10989294

Happy Birthday… By Hannah Chung

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