The Gift of Jesus

By Ama Mathurin

London, England - UK

Scriptures:

• Luke 2:1-11
• Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭4‬
• Romans 8:31-34 

Many people refer to their 33rd year of life as their "Jesus year," inspired by the fact that Jesus was 33 when He died. This year was my "Jesus year!" As a mother of two—a 5-year-old and a 1-year-old—I faced challenges I had never anticipated. The leap from having one child to two was daunting, and balancing their needs with those of my husband and myself felt overwhelming at times. 

Knowing this transition would be difficult, I set a heartfelt goal for the year: to grow closer to Jesus. During moments of sadness and exhaustion, I found solace in prayer and the scriptures. I reached out to other mothers who understood my struggles, which reminded me that I was not alone.

The Messiah is Born 

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

Luke 2:1-11

Jesus is our saviour! [Saviour - one who would confront the problem of sin]

I am so grateful for the birth of Jesus. Because of my relationship with Him, the feelings described above didn’t last long. 

Jesus went to the cross for me and you so that we didn’t have to and so we could experience the full benefit of a relationship with God. Because of what Christ did on the cross, I have experienced Jesus’ grace and He has provided me with patience and love and long-suffering and everything else I needed to get through what felt like the trenches.

The Prince of Peace

Having a relationship with Jesus fills me with peace. There are so many challenging situations in this life, but knowing that I have a saviour who restores our souls, helps me to get up every day and keep going. I think about the way my children depend on me every day, the way they cling on to me when worried or in need, the way they laugh and smile at my jokes and tickles. I think about the way my children find comfort in my arms and kisses. And I think about how I can have that same depth and security in God, because of Jesus. 

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ (‭NIV)‬‬

So, what does all this mean? If God has determined to stand with us, tell me, who then could ever stand against us? For God has proved his love by giving us his greatest treasure, the gift of his Son. And since God freely offered him up as the sacrifice for us all, he certainly won’t withhold from us anything else he has to give. Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be his? God himself is the judge who has issued his final verdict over them—“Not guilty!” Who then is left to condemn us? Certainly not Jesus, the Anointed One! For he gave his life for us, and even more than that, he has conquered death and is now risen, exalted, and enthroned by God at his right hand. So how could he possibly condemn us since he is continually praying for our triumph?

Romans 8:31-34 (TPT)

Do you ever think that because you aren’t good enough for God, He will not save you? Do you ever feel as if salvation is for everyone else but you? Then these verses are especially for you. If God gave His Son for you, He isn’t going to hold back the gift of salvation! If Jesus gave His life for you, why would He turn around and condemn you? He will not withhold anything you need to live for Him.

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve condemned myself for being a failure or not good enough, or the feeling of guilt as my times with God are not as frequent or deep as they used to be. But this scripture in Romans is so encouraging and such a great reminder that: 

1. God accepts me where I am

2. Anything I cannot do, God has already done.

3. God gifted His Son to die for my sins. God watched His child suffer (and if you have children you will know how hard it is to see your child hurting), so that I can live freely.

4. God loves me. 

Questions for Reflection: 

1. What response do you have to God's truths? Do you believe them? Why or why not?

2. Do you remember times that God has shown Himself to you or proved Himself to you? How did He display His love? Write a few examples down. 

3. What effect will you let these scriptures have on your life today?

4. In what ways can you praise God today for Jesus’ arrival into the world?

Today I will:

• Give thanks to God for Jesus’ birth through prayer and praise. 

• Prayer prompt: Psalm 27- This Psalm reminds me to find security in God and grounds me in doubtful/challenging moments. 

• Worship: Holy Forever by Cece Winans - this song reminds me of God’s transcendence and power.

About the Author:

Ama Mathurin has been married for eight years and has two children. Ama was baptised 11 years ago as a master’s student and is currently a lawyer living in London. Ama has had the joy of supporting various youth ministries and is currently helping to lead a group of young families growing in faith.