"And the world is passing away..."

- 1 John 2:17

Christmas will give us ample opportunity to embrace the world as it does year after year. Can we celebrate the birth of Christ and enjoy the Christmas season without succumbing to the pressures of the world? From a biblical perspective, everything we gain from this world is temporal, it does not last, and it is not ours forever. The Lord declares this in His Word not to discourage us but to comfort us. Someday, all the challenges, disappointments, trials, conflicts and fleeting pleasures will come to an end. For that to become a reality, it required both the birth and death of our Savior. He came to give us hope and peace, and a reason to celebrate His birth as we live among the temporary and to give us His very presence and glory when we live in the eternal which will not pass away. It has been said that “through Him a mortal man may pass through the things which are temporary with comfort, and look forward to the things which are eternal without fear.” That, alone, is more than all the world has to offer. Celebrate His birth and be encouraged!

References: 1 John 2:17; J.C. Ryle, Walking with God