It is the day after Christmas. The house is a mess, you overate, and opened your presents. But did you open them all? Let’s look at Christmas through a different lens. Imagine stepping into the bustling city of Ephesus, where cultures and beliefs collided, and where Paul wrote his heartfelt letter to the early Christians. Ephesus was a place of grand architecture, thriving commerce, and deep spiritual searching—a lot like our own busy lives today.
Paul’s words to the Ephesians weren’t just for them; they’re for us, too. He challenged his readers to move beyond the distractions and empty pursuits of their world and to embrace a life shaped by faith, kindness, and generosity. Even though Christmas is over, we can use Paul’s message as a guide—reminding ourselves that this season is about more than gifts and gatherings. It’s about embracing the true meaning of Christ’s coming and allowing it to transform how we live, love, and serve others. It is about opening that very special gift given to us by God Himself.
(Ephesians 4:17-18)1NIV New International Version Translations – “So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.”
The impressive buildings in Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey), especially the Temple of Artemis, were not just religious centers but also places of business and social gathering, drawing people’s attention away from deeper reflection. With shrines and temples dedicated to many different gods, the city’s culture was characterized by competing beliefs and rituals, making it easy for people to become entangled in religious traditions rather than seeking genuine meaning. Paul urges believers to “no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking.” He challenges them to move beyond the empty pursuits and distractions of their culture—whether wealth, social status, or religious rituals—and focus on a life shaped by faith.
Instead of being swept up in the city’s competing beliefs and traditions, Paul tells the Ephesians to “be made new in the attitude of your minds” and to “put on the new self.” This means letting go of distractions and embracing a new identity rooted in Christ.
(Ephesians 4:20-22) – “That, however, is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, concerning your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;”
Paul is reminding us that the “new self” we seek comes as a gift from God, created to be like Him. By focusing on this gift, we can resist the distractions of our world and live out our faith authentically. His message offers a clear alternative to the distractions of our world: a life of purpose, renewal, and practical love, centered on Christ rather than the fleeting attractions around us. Paul’s letter is also the message of the coming of our Savior as a child on Christmas. We are called to take up those very same gifts today. But if we do not open them, we miss the greatest gift of all!
- Transformation and New Life
- Ephesians 4:17-28: Paul calls believers to leave behind their old, self-centered ways and embrace a new life shaped by Christ—marked by truth, kindness, and generosity.
- Christmas Story: The birth of Jesus marks the arrival of hope and the possibility of transformation. Jesus came to bring light into a world darkened by sin, offering a new way of living rooted in love and righteousness.
- Light in Darkness
- Ephesians: Paul describes the Gentiles as living in “darkened understanding” and “separated from the life of God.” He urges believers to be renewed and live as children of light.
- Christmas: Jesus is often referred to as the “Light of the World.” His coming is celebrated as God’s intervention to dispel spiritual darkness and guide people into truth.
- Practical Change
- Ephesians: Paul provided us with practical instructions: speak truthfully, manage anger, work ethically, and assist others. These actions signify a transformed life.
- Christmas: The story of Jesus’ birth inspires acts of kindness, generosity, and reconciliation. The message of Christmas is not just about celebration, but about living out the love and peace Jesus brought.
- God’s Gift to Us
- Ephesians: The “new self” is a gift from God, created to be like Him.
- Christmas: Jesus himself is God’s greatest gift to humanity, sent to restore and renew.
In summary
Both Ephesians 4:17-28 and the Christmas story emphasize leaving behind old ways and embracing a new life made possible through Jesus. Christmas marks the beginning of this transformation, while Ephesians illustrates how to live it out daily once we let the light of Christ shine. The passages emphasize the importance of truthfulness, managing anger, and helping others as evidence of genuine faith. It’s the day after Christmas. The most important question is whether you are any different today than you were the day before Christmas?
Contemplations
- How might embracing the “new self” described by Paul in Ephesians transform the way you experience and celebrate Christmas this year?
- Ideas to explore: Consider what traditions, habits, or cultural pressures might distract you from the deeper meaning of Christmas. How could you intentionally shift your focus toward faith, kindness, and generosity instead?
Reflect on how Jesus’ birth brings light into spiritual darkness. In what ways can you bring light—hope, truth, and love—into your relationships and community during the holiday season?
Think about the “new self” as a gift from God, and Jesus as God’s greatest gift. How can you receive this gift more fully, and how might you share it with others through practical acts of kindness and service?
- 1NIV New International Version Translations