2 Corinthians 5:17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
We often hope that faith will make our lives easier and our moods better, but we forget the true goal of the gospel. As C. S. Lewis reminded us, the Son of God became human not so that people could feel better, but so that people could truly become new people. Second Corinthians tells us that in Christ, old things have passed away and a new creation has begun. Christmas is not a warm background music, but the starting point for a life to be turned around - not to repair the old self, but to give a new life.
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming into the world, not to comfort my old life, but to give me a new life. When I just want comfort and peace but don’t want to change, please remind me of the call of the cross. Let me no longer dwell in the old things, but truly live in the identity of a "new creation." Today, I am willing to let go of my old self and respond to your renewing power, allowing your new creation to continue to unfold in my life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.