Life without Jesus

Many of us are shaking our heads in disbelief at how quickly time passes! It seems only yesterday we were celebrating Christmas and New Year’s. Now, we are already into the Season of Lent and Valentine’s Day is behind us!!! How can that be? With the business of the day and swift passing of time, it is so easy to forget to keep Jesus in our life.

During the past fleeting weeks, so much has happened. Some of us have witnessed the loss of dear friends and loved ones, illness, surgery, loneliness, or loss of a job. Some have experienced an engagement in the family, marriage, a joyful birth, a baptism or just being with family and special friends. We have all experienced life!!!!

Have you ever thought about what life would be like without Jesus?

A few short weeks ago, during the Christmas season, I had to chuckle to myself when I noticed a nativity set on sale. It was marked , “complete except for the Baby Jesus”. (In fairness to the store I realize that their Baby Jesus had disappeared and they thought someone could use the left over pieces of the nativity). In any case, I thought to myself, “What is a nativity without the Baby Jesus?” What is Christmas without the Baby Jesus? Can you imagine life without the joy of the birth of our Savior? “.....I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10

Now, with Valentine’s Day behind us, I ask, “What is Valentine’s Day without Jesus?” If it were not for Jesus, we would not know God’s great love for us and we would not know how to unselfishly love one another. “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.” (John 15:9)

We are now into the Season of Lent. For the Christian traditions that observe Lent, it is a time of reflection on our sins, a time to examine our hearts and repent. It is a time to remember that only because Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us, we have forgiveness of sins. “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) THANKS BE TO GOD!

I could go on and on about Jesus in our lives, but you get the picture. Without Jesus we have no Christmas joy. Without Jesus, we have no idea of unselfish love to share on Valentine’s Day and every day of our lives.

Without Jesus we have no forgiveness of sins. That would be a heavy burden to carry every day. “For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:17)

Every day of our life, we can experience joy, love, forgiveness and peace that only our Savior , Jesus Christ, can give … no matter what life throws our way.

Yes, we are ,indeed, speeding through the first part of 2013, and I know one thing for sure! I know I don’t want to be without Jesus one single day … how about you?

The words from an old hymn of hope tells it best:, “Lord take my hand and lead me upon life’s way; Direct, protect and feed me from day to day. Without your grace and favor I go astray, so take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.”