12/26/2025
The goal of the Christian life is not striving, it’s resting; it is not works, it’s faith; is not ease, it’s peace, it is not righteousness, it’s relationship - yet there can be no relationship, no peace, no faith, no rest without righteousness. Because God is holy, those who enter his presence must be holy. It is a standard we cannot achieve (Rom 6:23). So God achieved it for us.
We can add nothing to it. Yet as our hearts align with his, we become like him – we begin to emulate our Father. When we approach him in humility and faith – when we accept the free gift of forgiveness offered through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ -- we are transformed.
As we spend time with the Father, as we know him, as we see him, as we understand his goodness and love, we are indelibly attracted. We cannot remain unchanged, and we are transformed into his likeness.
Too often, perfection or mission become the object of the Christian life. We fail to rest in and trust the perfect one who conceived the mission so that we may walk in it together.
Only as we abide in Christ do we bear fruit. Without him we can do nothing. (John 15:5) When we strive on our own, we fall short.
The good news of Christmas is that Christ is Enough. And he is less interested in our striving than he is interested in us.
Righteousness is the fruit of right relationship. God knew our effort cannot create righteousness so he stepped into time to show us, and sent the Spirit to dwell in us.
As we live in His presence, we are transformed. As we trust His provision we are secure. As we spend time together WITH Him, we begin to reflect His image. "The fruit of righteousness is peace and the effect of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever." (Isa 32:17)
This is the hope of Christmas. This is the antidote to the soul crushing pressure to climb an endless ladder of achievement. This is a balm of hope from disappointment. Emmanuel- God is WITH us! This is the good news of Christmas we must impart to our sons.
This Christmas, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Rom 15:13)
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