I was talking with a friend a few days ago about a diet she was trying.  She was working hard to eat all the right things and to become healthier: gluten-free bread, mashed cauliflower instead of mashed potatoes, vegetable lasagna with dairy-free cheese…  As we were talking about her efforts to maintain this style of eating, she said something very reflective of our human condition.  She said, “No matter how good all these things are, there is still nothing that takes the place of a twix bar.  And sometimes I just need the real thing.”

It’s the same thing with Jesus.  In my experience, we sometimes try to create joy, fulfillment, and contentment with all sorts of counterfeits.  We fill our lives with material things, experiences, and even people hoping that with them, we will be satisfied.  But we never quite get there, do we friends?  In these situations, where we have placed all our hope in something (or someone) temporal, aren’t we most times left needing a little something more?

The truth is, no one or no thing can take the place of Jesus Christ in our lives.  He is the author of our peace and our joy.  He brings a call and fulfillment to each of our lives that the world cannot compete with.  Only in Him are we made complete.

As Christmas Eve services near for most of us, I encourage you to seek Him with all your heart.  Regardless of your circumstances, this day will only be complete with Jesus in the center of it.  So find a few moments to spend with Him, either alone in your back yard, in your car, or with a family of believers. Look to Him alone to meet every need of your heart, and there you will find the true treasure of Christmas.

Wishing you each and every one joy and peace this Christmas.

“From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.” – John 1:16-17