Delivered to Serve: Unwrapping the True Gift of Christmas

As the twinkling lights and festive melodies fill the air, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. But amidst the gift-giving and merry-making, there's a profound truth at the heart of Christmas that often goes overlooked – the concept of being delivered.

We've all experienced delivery in the most literal sense – our birth. Though we may not remember it, that moment marked our first deliverance into the world. But there's another type of delivery, one that goes beyond the physical and touches the very core of our being: spiritual deliverance.

But God...

The Bible paints a vivid picture of our spiritual state before this deliverance. In Ephesians 2, we're described as "dead in trespasses and sins," following the ways of the world and our own selfish desires. It's a stark reminder of our need for rescue. But then comes that beautiful phrase: "But God." These two simple words herald a dramatic shift, speaking of God's rich mercy and great love that brings us from death to life.

This spiritual delivery isn't just a one-time event. It's an ongoing process, a daily deliverance from the snares and pitfalls that threaten to derail us. How often do we pause to consider the countless ways God protects us from evil each day? As we whisper the familiar words of the Lord's Prayer – "deliver us from evil" – do we truly grasp the weight of that request and the faithfulness of God in answering it?

Our Deliverer

The Christmas story itself is rife with examples of God's delivering power. Consider Mary, a young girl facing an impossible situation. Visited by an angel and told she would bear the Son of God, her response is nothing short of remarkable. "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior," she declares. In the face of uncertainty and potential scandal, Mary's inner being – her very soul – worshipped.

This profound act of worship gives us a glimpse into why Mary was chosen for such an extraordinary role. Her ability to praise God from the depths of her being, to rejoice in her spirit despite challenging circumstances, sets an example for us all. It's a reminder that true worship goes beyond mere words or outward actions – it's an alignment of our entire selves with God's purposes.

Mary's song, recorded in Luke 1, provides a beautiful checklist for examining our own relationship with our Deliverer. She speaks of God as her Savior, acknowledging His attentiveness to her, His mighty deeds, His mercy, His protection, His provision, and His faithfulness to His promises. As we reflect on our own lives, can we echo Mary's sentiments? Have we experienced God in these ways?

Delivered to Serve

The story then shifts to another miraculous birth – that of John the Baptist. His father, Zechariah, had been struck mute due to his initial disbelief in God's promise. But when the time came to name the child, Zechariah's obedience in writing "His name is John" led to the restoration of his speech. What follows is a powerful prophecy that speaks directly to us today.

Zechariah's words reveal the ultimate purpose behind God's great act of deliverance: "that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." This is the crux of the matter – we are delivered to serve.

Our deliverance isn't just about personal salvation or freedom from sin. It's about being empowered and positioned to serve God wholeheartedly. This service isn't meant to be occasional or compartmentalized. It's a daily calling, an attitude that permeates every aspect of our lives.

Zechariah outlines how this service should look:

1. We are to go before the Lord and prepare His ways.
2. We are to give people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins.
3. We are to shine light in dark places and guide others toward peace with God.

In essence, we become representatives of our Deliverer, making His ways known and reflecting His character to a world in need. This involves openly sharing about our own salvation and forgiveness, and demonstrating God's mercy through our actions – forgiving others, showing kindness, and loving even the unlovable.

As we embrace this calling, we fulfill our created purpose. We become beacons of light in a dark world, guiding others toward the peace that can only be found in a relationship with God. In doing so, we earn the beautiful title of "peacemakers," whom Jesus calls "children of God."

The True Gift of Christmas

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Deliverer, let's remember that the true gift goes far beyond the manger. It's the opportunity to be continually delivered and to serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness, all our days.

As we move through this season and into the new year, let's carry with us the profound truth that we have been delivered for a purpose. May we serve our Deliverer with joy, sharing His light and love with everyone we encounter. In doing so, we unwrap the true gift of Christmas – not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.

This blog is based on a sermon by Pastor Ron Cline at South Shores Church in Dana Point, CA on Sunday, December 9, 2024.

Dr. Ron Cline challenges and edifies the body of Christ around the world. His background as a pastor, educator, counselor, missionary and author gives him credibility and rapport with the many groups and individuals he and his wife, Barbara, minister to each year. After serving over 30 years outside the United States, he and his wife joined the staff at South Shores where he serves the senior community and the missionaries who serve around the world.  He also serves as Global Ambassador with the international mission, Reach Beyond.