Magnifier

“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death” (Philippians 1:20).

Christmas is a magnifier.

If life is good, Christmas only magnifies how good life is. Marriage is good. The kids are good. The extended family is good. The company is good. So the family gatherings and Christmas company parties only remind you how good your life really is.

Christmas is a magnifier.

If life is painful, if you are depressed, sad, angry, hurt, disappointed. Christmas only magnifies how bad your life is. Every gathering reminds you of your loneliness, depression, loneliness, hurt.

Christmas is a magnifier.

Paul wrote the verse of the day from prison. He wasn’t sure if he would live or die. Yet, Paul writes the most joyful letter from prison. The NIV translates the word “megalynthesetai” as “exalted.” The literal translation of the Greek word is “magnify.”

Paul was saying, life is going to magnify whatever is going on in my life. If that’s the case, I choose to magnify Christ whether I live or die. I choose to magnify Christ.

Friends, during this season I want to encourage you to be gentle with yourselves. Some of you are hurting. Some of you are in seasons of depression. And this season only magnifies what you are already feeling. Be gentle with yourselves. God knows your hurts and disappointments. Turn to him.

Finally, since seasons of life magnify what’s already there, why not choose to magnify Christ. Like Paul, in life and death choose to magnify Christ.

God loves you. Your church does too. Magnify Christ.

Blessed Advent to you.