by Shayla Asselin
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:16
Confession Time: I’ve been listening to Christmas music since August. Christmas has always been my favorite holiday and I just can’t find it within me to limit it to 25 days in December. Recently, I was listening to my classic Christmas carols playlist and one of my favorite songs came on - “O Holy Night.” I’ve heard this song at least a dozen times since August, but this time I stopped and just listened to the song with no distractions and this phrase jumped out at me “till He appeared and the soul felt it’s worth.”
I think it is human nature to desire that feeling of “I’m worth something.” No one wants to feel like their life is meaningless and invaluable. Depression and suicidal thoughts are often a result of the feeling of worthless. When someone no longer feels like they contribute anything to society or the people around them, they question the need for their existence. Society and culture contributed to that feeling of worthlessness by basing our worth on what can be seen - the cars we drive, the house we live in, the job we have, who our family is, and the way we look. The world says our worth is measured by what we have to offer. But over two-thousand years ago, we were told something very different.
Before the arrival of the Christ Child, the world waited, engulfed in their sin and error. They were longing for a remedy for their brokeness and worthlessness. Then He appeared. Wrapped in swaddling clothes, under the stars of Bethlehem, lay the answer to all of humanity’s questions, the Saviour of the world. His appearance was anything but royal and grandiose.
Although His arrival was humble and modest, His presence allowed our souls to finally experience the fullness of their worth.
Despite our shortcomings and sins, the gift of Emmanuel showed us who we are in His eyes - loved, cherished, and worth it. When I examine myself, I know there is nothing I could do or offer to deserve His gift of salvation. And that is what makes the love of God so much more precious to me. My worth has nothing to do with me and everything to do with Him. Ephesians 2: 7-8 sums it up, “That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
On Christmas day, and every day, may we never forget the greatest gift provided to each of us through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The next lyric to the old hymn reads, “A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices.” Friend, I hope that the same thrill of hope fills your heart today. If society or circumstances have made you feel worthless and unloved, I hope you will take another look at the Gift Who lay in a manger over 2,000 years ago. I pray that the gift of the Christ Child reminds you of how valuable and loved you are by God.
