By Mark Adcock
It is finally here! Christmas has finally arrived. There are presents under the tree, and the anticipation of Christmas morning is growing, especially among children.
The title of this column, “Christmas Present,” may be a bit misleading. Recently, I heard a child ask, “What is Jesus doing now?”
The little boy knew and understood the Christmas story, about how Jesus came to earth as a baby. But in his 5-year-
old little mind, he couldn’t find Jesus in the present.
As we discussed his questions, I was reminded of how much we think of Jesus in a historical way. But what about
Jesus in the present day? What is Jesus doing today?
As I have pondered this question throughout this Christmas season, I began to marvel at God’s plan to save lost humanity by sending His son, Jesus, to pay the price for our sinfulness. What a gift. The Advent season is always a great time to
look at Jesus, his arrival, and his life. I certainly do not want to minimize the coming of Christ into the world. It is foundational in our faith.
Jesus came to save. Jesus came to die. Jesus came to bring us peace and abundant life and eternal life. He accomplished all of these things when he died on the cross and rose from the grave.
But the 5-year-old’s question still lingers? Where is Jesus today? What is he doing in the present?
As you experience Christmas this week, take a few moments to celebrate the fact that Jesus is still working on our behalf. He has accomplished the mission of bringing salvation to the world. But Christmas in the present is still taking place.
Jesus is still at work on our behalf. Hebrews 7:25 says that he always lives to make intercession for his people. Yes, Jesus is interceding on behalf of his children.
This Christmas I am thankful for what Jesus did in a historical sense. His coming and dying brought about my salvation.
But in the present, he is still at work. In his book “Gentle and Lowly Christ,” Dane Ortland writes, “The atonement accomplished our salvation. Intercession is the moment-by-moment application of that atoning work … Intercession is the constant hitting “refresh” of our justification in the court of heaven.”
This Christmas, I want to encourage you to thank God for your Christmas present, for Jesus is the gift that keeps on giving.
The concept of intercession, and why Jesus would do such a thing for us, is worth taking some time to think about. Consider one more quote from Ortland’s book: “Christ continues to intercede on our behalf in heaven because we continue to fail here on earth. He does not forgive us through his work on the cross and then hope we make it the rest of the way…He never lets go, wishing us well, hoping we can glide the rest of the way into heaven. He carries us all the way.”
This Christmas, take some time to embrace Christmas Present. And thank God that Jesus is still at work for our good. Merry Christmas!
