Mark 14:60-62 (NIV)
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?”
But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”
“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
Christmas Isn’t About a Manger—It’s About a Mission
Christmas is in the air. Stores are decorated, parking lots are full, and children are counting down the days. It’s one of the most joyful times of the year, yet amid the lights and laughter, it’s easy to lose sight of the real purpose of Christmas: Jesus’ mission.
Christmas did not happen so that we could simply celebrate a birth.
Jesus was born so that He could live a sinless life and die a sacrificial death—for us.
This truth doesn’t cancel the joy of the season; it deepens it. The baby in the manger was born with the cross in mind. Every gift, every carol, and every light points to the light of the world who came not just to be adored, but to redeem.
When Jesus Refused to Make Excuses
Near the end of His earthly life, Jesus was arrested and brought before religious leaders. When He was asked, “Are you the Christ?” He didn’t stay silent out of fear—He spoke truth with calm authority: “I am.”
In that moment, He knew what would follow—humiliation, torture, and death. But He didn’t argue, justify Himself, or search for a way out.
He could have.
He could have called down angels.
He could have said, “This isn’t fair.”
He could have walked away from the mission.
Instead, Jesus made no excuses.
The Excuses That Hold Us Back
We often respond very differently when God calls us to serve, give, forgive, or share His love. Especially during the Christmas rush, our excuses come easily:
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I’m too busy right now.
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It’s not in the budget.
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People might not respond.
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I’ll start next year.
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It’s uncomfortable.
But if Jesus didn’t make excuses to fulfill His mission, why should we?
The Power of Obedience This Christmas
Christmas is the perfect time to reset our focus and follow Jesus’ example of obedience. He didn’t delay His purpose, and He didn’t let difficulty deter Him. His mission was clear—and so is ours.
This season, instead of letting the busyness crowd out your purpose, ask:
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Who can I serve in love this week?
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Is there someone I need to forgive?
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How can I use my time or resources to reflect Jesus?
Every act of obedience—no matter how small—echoes the mission Jesus completed without hesitation.
A Simple Christmas Prayer
Lord, thank You for sending Your Son not just to be born, but to die and rise again for us.
Teach me to follow Your example without excuses. When I’m tempted to delay or doubt, remind me of Jesus’ courage and love.
Help me use this season to share Your light with others.
Amen.
Final Thought
The real story of Christmas is not just that a child was born in Bethlehem—but that the Son of God fulfilled His purpose on the cross. This year, let your Christmas joy be anchored not in what you receive, but in what Jesus already accomplished.
Don’t let Christmas become an excuse to neglect your mission. Let it be the reason you live it out.
