As One Who Believes

One of our favorite holiday movies as a family is The Polar Express, starring Tom Hanks.  It tells the story of a young boy who doubts the existence of Santa Claus and is, therefore, not experiencing the full blessings that the Christmas season can bring.  He is unchanged and unaffected by the importance of Christmas because of his doubt.  One night, he is whisked away on The Polar Express, a train headed straight for the North Pole, where he meets Santa and his elves, and along with having the adventure of a lifetime, he comes away a believer, forever changed.  I’m reminded of a similar story in the gospel of John, chapter 20.  Thomas, often labeled “Doubting Thomas,” has just been told about Jesus’ miraculous resurrection and, as much as he wants to believe, he remains, so far, unchanged and unaffected by the power of the resurrected Christ.  In verse 25, Thomas says, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

So often I find myself shouting into the Bible, “Thomas, believe!  He really has risen.  His power is real!”  But do we not all struggle with doubt just like Thomas at some point in our lives?  Do we not say things in the quietness of our minds that reveal our doubts?  Jesus, are you even real?  Can you really breathe life into this hurting relationship?  God, by your power, can you really provide the food and pay the bills when we do not have the money?  I don’t know, God.  Sure, there are stories in the Bible of your miracles, but what kind of power do you really have in my own, seemingly insignificant, life?  I . . . I am just not sure I can believe. . .

Where are you in your belief?  Are you like the young boy in the movie or doubting Thomas from the Bible who finds it difficult to believe outside of sight?  Are you saddled with unbelief, unaffected by Jesus Christ, the man who was born quietly, died sacrificially, and whom we honor today?  Or have you embraced the Savior and therefore, the transforming power of the Christmas story-the baby in the manger, the Christ on the cross, and the Spirit at work in your life?  There is something very special about Christmas, but it goes beyond the playful anticipation of Santa Claus and his presents or the parties and eggnog.  These are nothing compared to the “surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8).  There is nothing quite like celebrating Jesus’ birthday as a member of his family, as one who has put his “hope in the living God;” this, “Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.”

What kind of Christmas will this be for you-one of doubt, or as one who believes?

Merry Christmas from those of us here at Standing on Truth!