What do Christmas and the book of Judges have in common? At first glance you may not see very much. In the book of Judges we see a people who are now in the land God promised their forefathers, but they are surrounded by their enemies and are worshipping other gods. The people of Israel begin to disobey God by making covenants with their enemies, enslaving the inhabitants, and worshipping false idols (Judges 1:27-2:11). God had commanded them to fully possess the land so they could worship him free from fear or compromise. But, because they do not trust God’s strength, they fall into a cycle of idolatry that frankly makes the book of Judges exhausting to read. The people cycle through disobedience, disapproval, and distress over and over. They disobey; God disapproves; He then shows that disapproval by causing them distress.

On the other hand, Christmas is known for the joy and hope it brings. We sing songs, drink our favorite warm seasonal drink (hot chocolate with marshmallows are our families’ personal favorite). It’s also a time where we spend time with friends and family and exchange gifts to show our love for one another. The season feels so distant from what we read in the book of Judges.

However, the biblical narrative of Christmas has a very important similarity to the book of Judges — God comes to bring peace and restoration to His people. The story of Christmas is of a long awaited Savior coming to save his people in an unexpected way. The child of prophecy is born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) and is not only the very son of God but the hope for all humanity to be freed from their sin (Isaiah 11:10; 42:1-4). That’s the same pattern we see happen over and over again in the book of Judges. After the people’s disobedience, God’s disapproval brings distress, but He is always faithful to send a savior to restore and bring peace to his people. God transforms their cycle of idolatry into one of peace and restoration. In fact, God gives this peace and restoration to everyone who puts their trust in Jesus Christ.

This is the common thread between a book that can be discouraging and a time of year that feels so joyous and hopeful. We should rejoice with the Psalmist who proclaims God’s great work in Christ in Psalm 85:1-4 and 8:

Lord, you were favorable to your land;
you restored the fortunes of Jacob.

You forgave the iniquity of your people;
you covered all their sin. Selah

You withdrew all your wrath;
you turned from your hot anger.

Restore us again, O God of our salvation,
and put away your indignation toward us!…

Let me hear what God the Lord will speak,
for he will speak peace to his people

Through Christ our sins are forgiven, God’s wrath and hot anger are removed, and He restores us to Himself. This is the reason for the joy we should have in this and every season. Despite our sins and constant disobedience, our God has spoken peace to His people! Let this testimony be in our hearts while we sing, drink, and gather with friends and family. We serve a great and loving God who has sent His Son into the world for peace and restoration.

[This devotion elaborates on points made in the November 6 sermon. The audio of that sermon is available at this link.]