When you picture the little Lord Jesus laying down his sweet head in a manger in Bethlehem, do you see a warrior?
Christmas is a violent war story. It has to be, because life on this side of eternity is spiritual warfare.
Rebellion raises its ugly head
then grace comes down
darkness covers creation’s light
then grace comes down
thorns and disease infect
then grace comes down
people lie and cheat
then grace comes down
desires lead astray
then grace comes down
image-bearers murder their own
then grace comes down
power corrupts the powerful
then grace comes down
pride’s delusion ensnares
then grace comes down
fools preach what is foolish
then grace comes down
idols abound and deceive
then grace comes down
the whole earth groans
then grace comes down
tears replace smiles
then grace comes down
hate hates love
then grace comes down
hope devolves to fear
then grace comes down
abuse victimizes care
then grace comes down
thievery robs generosity
then grace comes down
peace fights war
then grace comes down
danger lurks in every heart
then grace comes down
evil kidnaps minds
then grace comes down
morality lies shattered
then grace comes down
justice is unjust
then grace comes down
creatures separated from their Creator
then grace comes down
people cry, God weeps
then grace comes down
in the person
in the birth
of the Messiah child
Jesus.
That Messiah child Jesus would grow into a man, and he would face what Adam faced: the seductive temptations of a deceptive enemy. Christ would stand toe-to-toe with Satan and defeat the Devil in his life, he would conquer him on the cross, and he would crush him by the empty tomb.
The little Lord Jesus is our victorious Great Warrior, but the final battle is not over. We still live in a broken world that doesn’t function as God intended. We continue to battle with temptation outside us and sin inside us. Seductive voices greet us every day, working on getting us to step over God’s moral boundaries.
So today, when you celebrate Christmas, remember to celebrate the birth of the Great Warrior. He won the victory that you and I could have never won. That victory is our hope in this life and in the one to come.
God bless,
Paul Tripp
Reflection Questions
1. How do you typically picture the little Lord Jesus at Christmastime? How can you see Christ more as a warrior?
2. What seductive voices have been greeting you this week, enticing you to step over God’s moral boundaries? Be specific in your detailing of the temptation you’ve been facing.
3. Why are you tempted to listen to these voices? Consider how your heart is prone to wander, rather than blaming the enemy.
4. What gospel truths do you need to preach to yourself to fight against the seductive voices?
5. What battle with sin did you lose recently? How did Christ experience the same temptation, and why should his victory over sin give you confidence and hope?
