Christmas Devotional | 2018 - Day 13
Life
By Brent McFadden
“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life . . .”
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
Every holiday season, especially leading up to Christmas, I’m filled with such joy and excitement. This season gives me a sense of renewal in my spirit. There’s just something about Christmas that brings warm feelings. I anticipate spending time with family and look forward to what a new year will bring.
Some of my greatest memories are during this season. When we were younger, my family spent Christmas in Tyler, Texas, where both sets of grandparents lived. My brothers and sisters, cousins, aunts, and uncles all gathered under one roof at my mom’s parents. I remember times when all 10 of the grandkids would sleep on the floor in Gramma and Big Daddy’s room. Then we would spend New Year’s Eve with my dad’s side of the family. I remember the sheer elation of watching movies and playing cards with my family into the wee hours of the night, then waking up late the next morning to the smell of bacon and homemade biscuits. No one can make biscuits like my granddaddy!
Along with these great memories, the Christmas season offers an elaborate celebration of the one life that changed the course of my life. His life came in the “fullness of time” to fulfill my deepest need—a right standing with God. The Son of God gave His perfect life so that my imperfection wouldn’t impede my relationship with God. His death declared my sin had been paid in full and His resurrection from death confirms my eternal destination. He has given me everything. He has given me abundant life!
The memory of Christmas days and the anticipation of Christmases to come fill my spirit with joy. I believe God made it that way. But, I know there is more. As a Christian, having a great life is more than having good memories. It’s reflecting on the life that was given so that we could be free. It’s not asking how I can fit Christ into my life, but instead asking how the Lord can become my life. It’s one thing to add Christ to your busy schedule; however, it’s another thing to make Him fully and demonstratively your life. As you enjoy the Christmas season, I pray you experience abundant life with Jesus.
What is your favorite Christmas song?
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel”
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Watching A Christmas Story
What is your favorite Christmas dish or drink?
Any pie whatsoever!
Author Bio
Brent McFadden
Brent McFadden
Minister to Uptown-Downtown & Recreation
Brent’s life calling involves helping others athletically and spiritually, so he loves using sports as a vehicle to reach people for Christ. Brent and his wife, Bethany, have been married since 2015 and are the proud parents of two little girls.
