That I May Know Him

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Philippians 3:8-11)

 Here we are again, approaching Christmas day, and as usual, a lot of preparations will be made. I realize that people have different perspectives in regards to celebrating Christmas. But I want to make known this perspective presented to us by the Apostle Paul. He wrote this to the Christians at Philippi (and to us).

At Christmas this year, let's take advantage of the opportunity to really get to know our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ. Because the question that comes to my mind is; How well do we know this one whose birthday we are celebrating? This one who God gave to us, to be our Savior and Shepherd of our lives? 

The Apostle Paul shares with us three things we must look at, if we are to know the Lord, and what He has to offer us in this blessed relationship.

 1. A Look At The World. (v.8) 
This world has nothing to offer compared to what the Lord provides us with. The Apostle Paul said he counted all that he gained of this world, as "rubbish"compared to the "Knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord." This knowledge of Jesus Christ contained His person, His principles, His Provisions, and His peace. These things are far better blessings than what the world can give.

 2. A look At Ourselves . (v.9) 
Because of sin, we are not righteous before God. But trusting in the sacrificial sanctifying death of Jesus Christ, we can obtain a righteousness acceptable to God. Along with this is a look at how willing we are to suffer for Jesus. He went to the cross to pay our sin debt. Will we take up our cross and follow Him? How far will we go, in suffering for our Lord?

 3. A Look At The Future. (vv.10-11) 
To embrace the power and hope of the resurrection through Jesus Christ. To believe and live everyday in the greatest blessing we as God's people have. That one day we will rise from the grave, to live eternally with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. As God's People we have the best hope for the future, a people could ever have.

To celebrate Christmas is a joyous and blessed activity. But more than this, is a great opportunity to get to know the Lord Jesus Christ better than we ever have before. As we read and live out His Word, and spend time in prayer to Him, we come to feel His presence, and His peace.

Christmas is more than just having a good time. It is rejoicing in the love, joy, and peace that only our relationship with Jesus can bring.
Do you know Him today? GP

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