As we come to this Christmas time I want to share who Jesus is to me, making it personal and hopefully encouraging you and maybe enticing you in further to knowing him more.
When I was 8 I read a lot, reading the Bible was one of the many books along with Scripture Union literature for children. I’d heard about Jesus from family and church but didn’t realise He required a response until being challenged by the aforementioned literature. I look back and think of it as my revelation of Jesus as my shepherd – I’d realised I was a lost sheep and He was the one who was calling me and I invited Him into my life to take charge.
As I endeavoured to follow him into my teenage years I recognised that being bold with my faith caused me to have to face fears of what others thought of me. I would often cling to Proverbs 29:25 (GNB) “It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you but if you trust the Lord you are safe.” Anxiety was a daily battle. This was when I took hold of the comforting words of scripture recognising that Jesus is The Living Word and He makes His words live in us when we act on those specific words He gives us.
Furthermore I have found Him as my guide which is the other aspect of His shepherding. I have learnt to pour out to him everything. He listens and I talk! (I’m endeavouring to listen as I’ve progressed in my faith). I also remember reading somewhere that He is my elder brother and that He calls me friend (John 15:15) this was a real eye-opener!
Through study of God’s two books, (that being the Bible and nature) He has revealed to me that He is the Creator and the Caretaker of this world. These characteristics have helped me to live and work as I do in my vocation and know His relevant presence.
He comes to us as we are and it’s up to us to open our arms to Him. Why not when He is all loving and full of truth and grace? Hard to fully grasp this I know. He wants to make us more fully human.
Finally one other aspect of His nature which is amazing to me is that He is my mediator sometimes translated as intercessor. In this mediation I can join with him in partnership through prayer for others like He does. (Along with all the others characteristics they are not static but dynamic, meaning I may have known Him in these ways in the past but there is a greater depth that He wants me to come into in the present).
I am not a spiritual giant and don’t want you to think this by what I have written but I would like you to know more of Him through the resurrection life he offers by what He has done for us on the cross and what He continues to do as He lives His life through us. I am glad – more than glad, He came into this world as we remember at this time and that He breathes on us His Spirit to live. May you know Him more too.