Jared Raby

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Xmas. For many of us the word represents the commercialization of the Christmas season. In our minds, the title seems like yet another attempt to erase Jesus from our culture and traditions. So, we respond with reminders and calls to, ‘Keep Christ in Christmas!’

But did you know the word has actually been around for centuries? It predates shopping malls, the modern idea of Santa, even those red holiday cups from Starbucks (wink). Did you know it originally had its roots in Christianity? That’s right. The ‘X’ in Xmas represents the Greek letter ‘chi’ which is the first letter of the word ‘Christos,’ meaning ‘God’s Anointed or Chosen One.’

Now, I’m not saying that followers of Christ should adopt the ancient, abbreviated title. But I do want to remind you (and myself) that there is something behind the X, an incredible, unthinkable truth. The long awaited, promised Messiah who would rescue God’s people from sin and death has come here. Not only that, the long awaited, promised King is coming again!

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. Galatians 4:4-5

This December a little boy will celebrate his first Christmas with a new family. He has a new daddy and mommy. He has new brothers and a new sister. He was not always a part of our family but he is certainly no outsider. He is one of us. Just a few months ago, a judge declared he would be ours forever. He is, in every way, a Raby (expect for his beautiful blonde curls which obviously did not come from us). Now, he is entitled to everything that our other children have, including all of our love and affection.

Christmas is about adoption… not about our adoption of Oliver, but God’s adoption of you. At just the right time, God sent His Son to bring you into his family through adoption. Understand that He didn’t just save you. He also made you His son or daughter. He’s not only the righteous Judge who declared you innocent in Christ. He’s your good Father who calls you His own and freely and joyfully gives you all things in Christ (Romans 8:32), even the Spirit of God (Galatians 4:6-7).