“. . . for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day.” 2 Timothy 1:12b

Believe

Have you noticed that at this time of year, as the Christmas decorations are everywhere, we see those decorative signs that simply say “Believe”? What does the word, “believe” have to do with the Christmas season? Maybe it’s just a passing fad, but I wonder what it means to the people who buy and exhibit these signs. Does it refer to Santa Claus, or the biblical Christmas? That word could present an opportunity for us to have a meaningful conversation with the people who display it.

I believe the biblical Christmas: that Jesus Christ took on human flesh and came into the world as a little Baby “born in a manger” to save His people from their sins by His sacrifice on the cross (Luke 2:9-11). He is Immanuel, “God with us” (Matthew 1:23). That is a fact—a realistic and true thing to believe and put our hope in, not only at Christmas time, but all year long as well.

The Christmas season is an ideal time to reflect on what that word means to us personally. Even as a Christian, confident of my salvation, I think that sometimes in my journey I tend to get caught up in the challenges of life, causing me to lose sight of some things I used to firmly believe. Romans 12:2 reminds us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” I need to remember those things I’ve learned in His Word: who He says He is, and who He says I am; fundamental beliefs I so joyfully embraced when I first came to Him with childlike faith. I need to ask myself, do I walk the talk? And there will most likely be occasions when we can encourage other believers to remain steadfast in what they believe.

So, what do you believe? If you have doubted or never believed the “Christmas story,” by faith you can ask Jesus to come into your heart right now. Romans 10:9-10 says, “. . .that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” This is greatest gift you will ever receive (Ephesians 2:8)!

 “Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son. I believe You, and am so grateful that the ‘Word became flesh and dwelled among us’ (John 1:14). I pray that You would reveal Yourself to the lost and lonely in this world, so that they may believe and have abundant and eternal life in Your Name (Acts 4:12).”