Anyone who knows me would confirm to you that I am quite the "Christmas Enthusiast". I love the holiday season; the cookies, the lights, the decorations, the family functions, the cheer, the whole 9. Just in my kitchen alone, I produced (with the help of my amazing roommates) over 9 dozen sugar cookies and hundreds of squares of fudge. I lived the season up to the fullest, and who cares that my pants no longer fit; tis' the season right? LOL. As I was sitting in my apartment on Saturday, soaking up some peace and quiet time, I started thinking about the faces of my loved ones when they open my presents, the joy I would see in their eyes when they get just what they wanted. I thought about how truly blessed I am. Then I stopped and thought about the gift of the Cross. And I said out loud, "Jesus is the reason for this season. That is so cheesy and cliche." But I really began to picture Him hanging there and seeing my face. He saw me then and He sees me now. I realized at that moment that not once during this busy season had I stopped to thank Him for that selfless act. As I began to dwell on this bloody act of love, I was reminded so vividly that it was my sin that put Him there. I quickly turned my Bible open to Isaiah 53, which paints a clear picture of the Cross. As I read, I wept. "But the fact is, it was our pain He carried…it was our sins that ripped, tore and crushed Him…He died without a thought for His own welfare, beaten bloody for us; this is true love." Wow. I was so humbled and in awe. Now to clarify, I am not a new believer. I was born into a spirit-filled, radically committed to Christ home. Gave my life to Christ at a young age. Have known the story of Christ as far back as I can remember. But how often I take it for granted. Not nearly often enough do I picture the Cross, my sweet Savior hanging there, taking all my sins, shame and sickness from me. He did it for me. I am the reason He went to that Cross. We all are. When you really stop and let that sink into your heart, it changes your perspective. We've all heard it before, "Christ died for our sins", but has it become a reality? I sat there, tears still streaming down my face in repentance. I never want to go a day without that picture. Without thanking Him for that act of true grace and love. I hope that through the rest of the holiday season and into the new year, that we can all stop and picture Him, truly visualizing the Cross and most importantly, letting it impact us to change the way we think, act and pushing us into living a radical, love-driven life every single day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
