PSALM 103:1–5 – Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Well, it’s over but not really. I am referring to Christmas. Yes, the day may be over, but the reality of Christmas is not – Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call His name Immanuel, which means God with us (Matthew 1:23). Here lies the challenge we face – keeping the truth of Christmas alive in our daily lives. The baby born on Christmas Day and lying in a manger is now the reigning King who dwells in our hearts.
Today’s scripture is a good “post-Christmas application” for us. It is summarized in five words – forget not all His benefits. One of the most important disciplines in the Christian life is the continual process of mind transformation from worldly thinking to spiritual. It enables us to not forget all His benefits. Such a discipline ensures we maintain, even deeper, the message of Christmas – Immanuel, God with us. The Apostle Paul would give this instruction in the opening chapter of Romans 12 – I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:1-2).
The word “transformation” means to be or become changed in outward appearance as manifesting a change in nature or essence. It describes the change in Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration. Ponder the definition slowly. It tells us that everything about us is changed because of the inward change that occurs with Christ dwelling in our hearts. Our desires, affections, attachments, and everything else reflects the benefits given to us because Immanuel, God with us came – who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. With a renewed mind, we can consciously fix our thoughts on the many blessings we receive from the Lord, with the greatest being Immanuel, God with us which also means God in us!
The day after Christmas is just like Christmas and any other day of the year. Why? Don’t forget – Immanuel, God with us which also means God in us!
PRAYER: “Father, help me to not forget the wonder of Christmas after Christmas is over.”
QUOTE: “Immanuel, God with us is not a day to remember but a truth to daily live.”