There’s something so special about this time of the year. The sights, the sounds, the smells — all reminiscent of family, traditions and memories of Christmases past. There are reminders everywhere that Jesus’ birthday is just around the corner... even the decor around town is adorned with this month’s devotional word: Believe.
American Christmas traditions offer plenty to believe in — Santa Claus delivering presents, flying reindeer, and a snowman that comes to life at the touch of a magic top hat, to name a few. The same can be said for the holiday’s true meaning — that God sent His only son (born to a virgin in a manger, no less) to atone for our sins. Not only that, but that Jesus would live a perfect life, be crucified, and resurrected from His grave three days later. Even His disciples had trouble believing that last part (Luke 24:11).
‘Tis the season to believe the unbelievable.
Which brings us to this month’s memory verse (Mark 11:23-24):
“I tell you the truth, you can say to the mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”
There’s a scene toward the end of the movie “Elf” where Santa’s sleigh has crashed, and with engines damaged, the only way to assist the reindeer in getting it off of the ground is by running the vehicle on Christmas cheer. Efforts to restore belief around the city ensue, but each time someone doubts (or refuses to sing), the sleigh once again comes crashing down, runners to mud.
Stay with me here.
In Matthew 14 (beginning with verse 22), Jesus walks on water. Here again, His disciples’ belief was put to the test, and Peter asks the Lord to prove Himself by bringing him to do the same. With strong belief, Peter walks atop the waves. But as he pauses to consider the elements, fear overwhelms faith, and Jesus reaches out to save him from the waters beneath their feet.
“‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31)
Is there doubt in your heart this holiday season? Is anything pulling the runners of your sleigh from the sky? With all the uncertainty in the world around us this year (even the protocols for our class Christmas programs changed just days prior), it’s easy to consider the elements and feel like we’re drowning instead of walking with God.
But good news: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]. We believe.
Whatever this difficult year throws your way—be it fear, doubt, or simply faith overwhelmed—take heart. Just as He was there to pull Peter from the water, He is there with each of us, arms outstretched, hands open to save us from our unbelief. Be encouraged. “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”