Overwhelmed by Jesus

A Devotion by Joe G.

“Overwhelmed by Jesus!”

December 24, 2022

John 3:16

This time of year, it’s very easy to be overwhelmed. We shop for a tree to trip in our home. We plan and attend holiday parties. Then, of course, there’s all the shopping for gifts, the traffic, the crowds, and cooking. And somewhere in there, many of us try and squeeze in a worship service or two as we get ready to celebrate the birth of Christ.

About 11 years ago, when my Grandson Keegan was two years old, we had all of the family over to our house for Christmas Day. We conversed, ate, laughed, watched football, and after dinner, we opened presents.

Usually, I hand out the presents to everyone until there are none left under the tree, and then we take turns opening the gifts. However, this year was special; as mentioned earlier, Keegan turned two a month before Christmas.

As usual, and as it should be, the kids all got the most gifts. But for Keegan, the was a bit overwhelming. You see, after I kept handing gifts out, Keegan had close to 30 gifts to open.

Just watching his eyes, I could see he was “overwhelmed” by the mountain of gifts in front of him. Instead of digging in and unwrapping his presents, he just looked at all the beautifully wrapped gifts and didn’t know where to start. He’s looking at the gifts and then up at the family. Again, he was totally overwhelmed. Between his mother, my daughter Heather, and I, we worked with him to open all the gifts. Of course, once they were all open, he now had the overwhelming decision of, “What do I play with first!”

I have to say, at the age of 71, the gifts I receive at Christmas are great. And I love buying gifts for family and friends. But none of this overwhelms me like the birth of our Savior, Jesus, does.

***************************The Point***********************

This is probably an odd way to say this, but Jesus, the Son of God, was born to die. This is what overwhelms me. Not the trees, the gifts, the Hallmark Christmas movies (Okay, some of those are pretty good), and not even the getting together with family and friends. No, it’s Jesus. He overwhelms me.

Each day, as Christians, you and I can get up in the morning and know that no matter what happens. Jesus was born for you and me. Jesus died for you and me. Jesus’ arms are open, and He wants to guide, embrace, love, and show us the way. He did it! He saved us from our sins.

His Father sent Him to live amongst us, teach, rebuke, love, guide, but most of all, to die for you and me. I am in awe as I write these words; yes, I am overwhelmed.

So, tonight, tomorrow (Christmas Day), go to church. Make God a priority. Pray, sing, and thank God for sending His Son.

Oh, and one more thing:

“Be Overwhelmed by what He did for You!”

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Amen.