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Colossians 1:19–20 (NLT) For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.

As we grow older, Christmas often carries layers of memory. We think of childhood traditions, of raising families, of loved ones who are no longer with us. The season is full of joy, but it also reminds us of the deeper realities of life. The apostle Peter wrote,

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion…(1 Peter 5:8 NLT).

His words remind us that even in our later years, we are still called to be watchful and prayerful, leaning on Christ for strength.

Christmas is a season of giving, hope, and joy. Yet it is also a season that points us back to why Jesus came. The cradle in Bethlehem was always leading to the cross at Calvary. Red is the color of Christmas not only because of decorations, but because it reminds us of the blood of Christ—shed so that eternal life could be offered to all who believe. For those of us who have lived through many Christmases, this truth grows sweeter with time.

The victory has already been won. Jesus defeated sin and death once and for all. Yet the enemy still resists, and we see that struggle in the world around us. Faith is often dismissed, and darkness tries to overshadow the light. But this is not new—it stretches back to Genesis 3:15, when God promised that the serpent’s head would one day be crushed. That promise has been fulfilled in Christ.

The birth of Jesus was not simply a tender story—it was the beginning of God’s plan for reconciliation. The Incarnation was necessary for atonement. His birth carried the purpose of His death, and His death carried the promise of resurrection. This is the dividing line between light and darkness, good and evil, truth and deception.

And here is something to ponder in these later years: peace often comes through struggle. Many of us have lived long enough to know that conflict is part of life—whether in families, communities, or within ourselves. Yet through Christ, we find peace that endures beyond circumstances. His light shines into the darkness, even when others resist it.

Our role now is to hold steady, to pray faithfully, and to keep pointing others toward Jesus. Perhaps our greatest gift to the next generation is to show them what it looks like to finish well—to live with hope, to trust in Christ, and to keep faith until the end.

What a Christmas gift that would be: to see children, grandchildren, or even friends turn their lives over to the Lord. Beyond the presents and traditions, that is the gift that lasts forever.

Reflection Questions for Older Adults

• How has your understanding of Christmas changed over the years?
• What memories of past Christmases remind you most of God’s faithfulness?
• How can you share the hope of Christ with younger generations this season?
• What does it mean to you personally that Jesus has already won the victory?