This pandemic has really put into focus what is really important. As the Christmas season approaches and is already here, some of us will not be able to gather as we used to in former years, but despite that Jesus still remains the reason for the season.
As we reflect on Jesus as the reason for the season, I meditated on the story of the woman caught in adultery. Yes, an unorthodox story for Christmas, but the story does indeed embody the character of Jesus that I believe makes Him relevant not just every Christmas season but for life.
Jesus is Light
Jesus, in John chapter 8 vs 12 says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
What we know about light, is that it illuminates, brings clarity and makes visible those things that were hidden. In the gospel according to John, Jesus makes a statement that I believe brought clarity to the men who sought to accuse a young woman caught in sin.
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” John 8:7
In this moment, Jesus, the light of the world, sheds light on the humanity of the men who accused this woman. In the presence of this glorious light they saw themselves and were stunted by Jesus’ word. The result of this light being shone on the accusers caused them to leave the scene one by one. This action in my mind is a recognition that they were not without sin.
Christ is the light of the world and whoever chooses to follow him will not walk in darkness. He illuminates our lives so that we see ourselves for who we truly are and in response acknowledge Him as saviour. It is with this knowledge that we celebrate the goodness in each other, and this goodness is highlighted during this season.
Jesus is Love
The scripture encourages us not to love in word but in deed. Even Jesus purports that if we love Him we should keep His commandments. It is obvious then that love is an action word; it is more about what we do than what we say that expresses love.
"Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” John 8: 8-10
Jesus knowing well that this woman was indeed guilty does not seek to expose her shortcomings, nor does He justify her shame and highlight his righteousness before her accusers. Instead, he protects her.
This is love in action.
In fact, many of us just like this woman are guilty of sin but Christ in his goodness came to redeem us. It is the goodness of Jesus why we celebrate the Christmas season.
Christ Jesus is love. He embodies what love truly means and his example of love to this guilty woman is a great example of how we can love one another.
He is Grace
What is grace? Grace is the free and unmerited favour of God.
“No one, sir,” she said.“Then neither do I condemn you,”Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin." John 8:11
What Jesus did for this woman was to give her another day to live. Remember the crime she was accused of was punishable by death. If left to the people, they would have stoned her to death.
Instead, Jesus acquits her of all possible charges and gives her the opportunity to make it right. This is grace. She merited death but Jesus applies grace to the situation –neither do I accuse you, but go and make a change he warns.
We all have fallen short of the glory of God, but because He lives we have sufficient grace for every shortcoming every mistake we will have made and will ever make.
We are like Christ
We gather every Christmas with family, friends and loved ones, to celebrate the goodness of life and to enjoy what makes life great. We remember Christmas because of the good news of Jesus. He came into the world to give all of us hope.
● Hope that darkness will not overtake us
● Hope that love will always win and
● Hope that no matter how far we fall from the mark, His grace is sufficient!
What a gift!
Jesus’ coming into the world is good news! He being born has given every individual the grace, love and light needed to be the best versions of ourselves and to extend that same light, love and grace to those with whom we come into contact
Christ is truly the reason for the season. As we celebrate Christ’s coming, let us also celebrate the deposit of goodness that resides in all of us.
Merry Christmas to you all!
Dacia Miller from Jamaica, West Indies is a wife, mother and trained communicator who enjoys dancing. She is involved in youth ministry and loves to see lives transformed.
