The Promise of New Life

I have been reflecting on the things that bring me joy. That is one of the things we do at Christmas time. I often wonder if it is not only the most wonderful time of the year, but also the most nostalgic. Why else would two of the most popular movies at this time of the year be found filmed in black & white? Something came to mind when thinking about what brings me joy that I want to share with you as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.

It was 2:20 am on a cool April night when my very pregnant wife woke me. It was time. This did not bring me joy. It brought me a bit of panic. A few hours later I saw my son, Aidan, born. He was big and loud, which hasn't really changed over the years. Regardless of the pain Kelly endured, and the uncertainty and inadequacy I felt, we were overcome with joy with this gift of new life. Two years later similar feelings swept over us as our daughter, Emma breathed her first breath of life.


Some, including myself, find joy in the rebirth that comes with Spring each year. There is almost a mourning as Autumn comes to a close and Winter falls upon us. Then Spring comes. We are reminded as the leaves return to the trees and the flowers start to blossom, and yes, the bees start to buzz around, that rebirth has happened and it is a time for great joy.

The Christmas story found in Matthew 1 & 2 and also in Luke 2 tells us of the birth of a baby. Not just any baby, but the Son of God. The son that was sent to mankind for mankind. A Son who would not conquer militarily, or bring sweeping changes politically. He was a son who would bring us the good news that God had never stopped loving us. A son that would show us that He still desires fellowship with us and we can have that fellowship with Him today. He was a son that would show us how to usher in His kingdom today. It was the beginning of the end of our separation from God.

The Jews missed it. They were watching for a coming king that would conquer and drive out the current occupying forces of their nation. They were looking for something earthly, and God sent a heavenly baby. The birth of this baby is what we celebrate at Christmas. The birth of man's restitution so he could be returned to God's presence.

The birth of new life brings all sorts of new promises. It brings a feeling of uncertainty, and there's always things you learn along the way, but there is also peace in our hearts to carry us along the journey. Christ came so that He could pay our penalties. He came so that our debts could be wiped out. He came so that we could live lives free from the bondage that comes from life in this fallen and sin filled world.

When God spoke after being silent for 400 years, He spoke by sending a baby. There's nothing to be afraid of. God not only wanted to settle our sin debt but He didn't want to frighten us either. He sent a baby. There's nothing more disarming and joyful than a new baby. God does not want to scare us or threaten us back to Him. He wants to love us, even when we don't understand why.

The birth, crucifixion, and subsequent resurrection of Jesus Christ is cause for great joy for us today. It is the promise from our Creator, our God, the living God, that He has not forgotten us or lost sight of us. It is the promise that He still has our best interests in His plans for us and that nothing is more important to Him than the return of man to Him from the clutches of the enemy of our souls.

Just as Spring comes and the trees and fields come back to life, our new life in Christ is spoken by Jesus as rebirth. This new life is promised for those who allow Jesus to be Lord of their lives. As you reflect on the birth of Jesus, won't you listen to Him and the plans He has for you. Allow yourself to be reborn in Him. This is His promise of new life that we can have if we only ask for it.

Merry Christmas, and rejoice!