The Joy of Restoration

What do you think of when you hear the word “restoration?” It is often defined as returning something to its original state or renewing a lost or broken relationship. Sometimes, the word “restoration” evokes vivid images of homes transforming, where skilled hands breathe new life into tired spaces. Imagine the rhythmic sound of sandpaper gliding over wooden surfaces as old paint gives way to a fresh, vibrant coat. Each stroke reveals the beauty hidden beneath layers of wear, inviting the warmth of new stains that enhance the rich grain of the wood.

In this process, every detail matters, from the careful selection of colors to the thoughtful design choices that rejuvenate both the structure and its spirit, creating a harmonious blend of the past and the present. After completing such a project, there is a profound joy in witnessing something once old and in disrepair being brought back to life and returned to its original glory.

When people buy a home, they often want it to be “move-in ready”—clean, beautiful, and fully equipped. However, God sees us in our flaws and still chooses to pay the price for our lives. He created a dwelling place for His Spirit within us when He restored us through Jesus Christ. In doing so, He saved us from destruction and condemnation.

For Christians, the Apostle Paul captures this sentiment in 1 Timothy 1:15: “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” Paul tells us that Jesus came to save sinners, which leads to restoring our relationship with God the Father. In Matthew 9:13, Jesus said, “For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners,” and in Luke 19:10, Jesus states, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Jesus came to restore us to our original state with God the Father.

Why do we stop, remember, and celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas? To remind ourselves of Jesus’ purpose: to save sinners, to restore our good standing with our Father and Creator. Because when we choose our own way instead of God’s way, we are separated from walking with God, knowing Him, and we are destined to be separated from Him forever. Without Him, we continue to deteriorate and fall further and further away from who we were created to be. The only way to renew that broken relationship and experience the goodness God created us for is for the price of our sin to be paid. Jesus came to Earth, lived a perfect and sinless life, took our punishment upon Himself, and sacrificed His life on the cross to atone for our sins. This act repaired the broken connection between God and humanity. As Charles H. Spurgeon said, “The very term ‘Savior’ and the very name ‘Jesus’ imply that salvation work is for sinners.” By putting our faith and trust in Jesus, our Savior, we are restored to a right relationship with God the Father.

Consider how the shepherds in the hills outside Bethlehem reacted when they heard the message from the angel. From the beginning of time, a Savior—a King—had been promised someone who would make all wrongs right. Imagine the scene: the shepherds were on the hillside under the night sky, tending to their sheep as they grazed or slept. Suddenly, a bright light appeared, and an angel proclaimed that the Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. Then, a multitude of angels appeared—what a magnificent sight that must have been!

Luke writes that after the angels left, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried to find their way to Mary and Joseph and the baby as He lay in the manger (Luke 2:15–16).

Did you catch that? It’s subtle but crucial. “Let us go straight to Bethlehem,” and “they came in a hurry.” The shepherds were so excited that they did not want to stop along the way for any reason; they wanted to get there as quickly as possible.

Can you imagine the joy and happiness they must have felt in that moment, being some of the first people to see the baby Jesus? Do you think the prophecies about a future Messiah flooded their hearts and minds? Do you think they realized they were looking at a child who would grow up to be the Savior of the world and who could restore their relationship with God the Father?

This Christmas season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on the profound purpose of His coming—to restore our broken relationship with God by saving us from our sins. The joyful response of the shepherds hurrying to find the Savior reminds us to prioritize our relationship with Him amidst the distractions of modern life. Are you tired and worn? Do you know where your true value is found? God gave His One and Only Son to breathe new life into the depths of your soul. There is beauty under each layer of hard or ugly circumstances and choices your life has seen. Don’t settle for a “surface-level flip” that looks pretty on the outside and leaves the problems under the surface. 

You have been carefully selected, and Jesus wants to fully restore what was lost. Through Jesus, there is harmony between your past and your future. There is a profound joy in witnessing something once old and in disrepair being brought back to life, given a new identity, and returned to its original glory. The joy of Christmas is not found in gifts received, in sparkle and shine, or in perfect circumstances, but in embracing the greatest gift of all: the grace and restoration offered through Jesus Christ, who came into the world to save sinners like you and me.

Questions for Thought

1. How can the concept of restoration, both in physical spaces and in our relationships with God, inspire us to approach our own lives and challenges with a renewed perspective this Christmas season?
2. In what ways can the urgency and excitement of the shepherds’ response to the birth of Jesus serve as a model for how we prioritize our faith and relationship with Him amid the distractions of everyday life?

Daily Challenge

This Christmas season, challenge yourself to intentionally reflect on your relationship with God. Consider how you can prioritize prayer, reflection, and community involvement amidst the holiday hustle.