“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” ~ Luke 2:11,14
Now is the time to pause and reflect on why we really celebrate this holiday (fyi, from Old English haligdæg meaning "holy day"). As Christians, we are the ones who know the true meaning of Christmas and why it is a time of celebration, as well as what that celebration means to all who believe. For if there were no Jesus Christ, there would be no Christmas, or season to go along with it, in the first place!
Christmas is a time that has been set aside to celebrate the birth of the Christ child. However, the true meaning of Christmas is often lost in the holiday shuffle. People get caught up in 'what I want,' along with the many gift purchases and best lights or party competitions, and they forget to give of themselves. God’s love for us prompted Him to give (and later give up) His Son, the greatest gift ever given, that we may enjoy an abundant, God-centered life. As believers, we must shift our focus from the distractions, and instead place it on the season’s true meaning by sharing the gift of Jesus with others.
As you see the many slogans being pandered around you, take the time to ponder the real meaning of what is being said: "Peace on earth, good will to men"... "Joy to the world"... "Hark, the herald Angels sing"... "'round yon virgin, mother and Child." Then once you've thought about what these mean to you as a believer, share them with others, especially with others who don't know Jesus or understand his eternal, unconditional love for everyone of us. As you focus on the One who is the Reason for the Season, make sure that you apprehend who exactly He is: Christ the Lord, one in the same with the Father. Just as He identified Himself as "I AM" to Moses in Exodus 3:14, so too does He identified Himself to the Jews in John 8:58. Why is it important to grasp this? Jesus said, "For if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins." (John 8:24b). He gave each and everyone of us the free will not to allow that to happen and the reason to choose Him over the world.
"I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." ~ John 14:6MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Related links: Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 2:1-12
Luke 2:1-20
Politics on Christmas? Yes…and for a VERY Good Reason
