Believe

Some years ago, “Believe”-themed Christmas décor began showing up in stores, on plaques, on Christmas throws and pillows. Where did it originate and what message was being sent? Is commercialism advocating people believe the biblical meaning of Christmas?

Perhaps “Believe” is promoting that we believe Santa Claus is real. Children can hardly wait for Jolly Old Saint Nicholas to bring toys and gifts to them each Christmas. It’s the magic of Christmas—receiving lots of presents! Eventually children start questioning about Santa Claus. That’s a good time to explain the historic Saint Nicholas and his goodwill towards people in need.

Maybe “Believe” emerged from Disney and their Christmas fireworks that called people to believe in the magic of Christmas, to remember nostalgically simpler times. Perhaps “Believe” is all-encompassing enough to apply to everyone—if you believe hard enough it will happen.

For me—whenever I see “Believe” advertised at Christmas time, I choose to believe in the wonder of the first Christmas. The wonder of God entering our world in human flesh in the person of His Son Jesus.

Believing is powerful when it is based upon a solid foundation. Jesus’ birth is an historical fact, and that truth was handed down through centuries. Jesus was born into a Jewish family, of miraculous birth, a virgin birth. His story carries all the wonder of impossible miracles, it’s suspense-filled, and includes a redemptive purpose. All who believe in Jesus are transformed. It can’t get any better than that.

…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:20-23).

+Campus Pastor Sherree Lane

Thank you for reading our article.  If you would like more information about the Avinity Spiritual Care Program click here, or for more information about Avinity here, or about our Communities here.