Monica J Butler

As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, there are no picture albums to open and reflect upon, and no year-by-year timeline progression of school photos to celebrate His growth from newborn baby to adult. No one today knows exactly what Jesus looked like physically (though we can make some guesses based on his ethnicity and the cultural norms of his era), but, thanks to God’s faithful Word, we can each be certain we know much about what Jesus looked like in character–emotionally and spiritually.  One of the most amazing realities about Jesus Christ is that He is described to be “the image of the invisible God” (Col 1:15). He bears the image…

As Christmas and the new year approaches, and final preparations are demanding our urgent attention, we can easily feel uncertain and experience unrest, even in the best of circumstances. We can find it difficult to slow down, and perhaps even difficult to do things with joy.  All of these struggles are made exponentially more paralyzing when we are in the depths of very real ongoing struggles with anxiety, relationship tension, chronic illness, hopeless diagnoses, loss, and grief. We can find ourselves struggling to deck the halls, to sing songs of joy, and to have peace, hope, and joy.  When struggles, oppositions, and pressures are mounting we can find ourselves completely…

When Jesus came down to earth, He did so in the humble form of a baby. He did not arrive as a full-grown man complete with military strength, regalia, and fanfare to initiate His mission. Instead, He arrived quietly, as a tiny baby who would humbly endure the necessary years of growing to prepare for His ultimate mission.1 He was meek in His presence and in His conduct. He didn’t hurry along any of His mission–He patiently waited for the fullness of God’s timing and God’s will. He remained patient and controlled in His waiting and, ultimately, in His suffering. This is the beautiful meekness of Christ.  Meekness is not…

Power. This isn’t something we often attribute to a tiny newborn babe–one we often consider to be powerless. But, the babe in the manger we celebrate at Christmas was no ordinary baby. When Jesus came wrapped in human flesh, He came as one with power and authority. He came fully armed and equipped to conquer His enemies, save His people, and complete His mission. This One who came to dwell with us would have said of Him, “He who comes from above is above all” (John 3:31). Jesus rules and reigns over all authorities and powers–spiritual and political. Scripture tells us that He “is the head of all authority” (Col…

Beautiful twinkling lights. The Christmas season is filled with them. Whether strands of brilliant, sparkling white or bright multi-colored bulbs, Christmas lights have long been a staple of Christmas decorations. There’s something intriguing in their presence. There’s something mesmerizing in the powerful way these tiny bulbs so richly permeate the darkness around them. (Am I the only one who is captivated by the peaceful beauty and perpetually surprised by the amount of light emitted by the strands of lights linked together on the Christmas tree in the dark of the night or the wee hours of the morning? Surely not.)  Light in the darkness is powerful. The light is unmistakable.…

Truth. Our hearts long for truth in every season, and perhaps all the more during the Christmas season. We feel a deeper sense of violation when we witness injustice or deceit. Our lips cry out in agony and our souls groan for justice. Our hearts long for truth to be revealed and revered, protected and upheld. Why is this? Could it be because Jesus, our Savior, the One we seek to celebrate, is truth, and these violations are not in keeping with “the spirit of Christmas” or, even more, “the spirit of Truth?” This thinking may not be in fashion or favor, but there is an absolute truth–a truth that…