MONDAY MEDITATION: If Jesus Hadn’t Lived (December 28)

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! – 2 Corinthians 9:15

One of the best spiritual exercises a Christian can undertake is to ask the simple question, “What would my life be like if Jesus hadn’t lived?”

I’d miss out on grace. “Forgive seventy times seven.”

I’d miss out on an extended family. “Whoever does the will of my Father are my mother and brother and sister.”

I’d miss out on a sense of purpose. “I’m sending you out as sheep among wolves.”

I’d miss out on making a difference in the world. “Feed the hungry and visit the sick.”

I’d miss out on hope. “Those who believe in me shall never die.”

I’d miss out on knowing God: “For God so loved the world…”

I’d miss out on holidays: “Born in a manger”…”Rose from the grave.”

I’d miss out on a way of understanding things: “I regard no one from a human point of view.”

I’d miss out on celebrating community: “There is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female, but all are one in Christ Jesus.”

I’d miss out on the non-violent imperative: “Pray for your enemies.” “Those who live by the sword die by the sword.”

The pandemic has shown us the importance of little things we often don’t notice until they’re taken away. Who doesn’t yearn to connect with others without fear of infecting or being infected? And who doesn’t yearn for being able to meet together in a pew and shake hands? Who doesn’t yearn to go a day without wearing masks?

You don’t appreciate many things until they’re taken away.

What would you miss about the Christian life and lifestyle if Jesus hadn’t lived? What would you add to the above list?

Make the list, and you’ll have quite a long prayer of thankfulness today!