Pastor James Salvation Love Forgiveness Faith Eternal Security Trusting God Prayer Daily Bread Christmas



What is Christmas?


          When we first think of Christmas we may think of bright lights, festive music, time shared with family, and lots of presents under the glistening pine tree with shining star.  These are cherished moments of blessing to be sure, but there is more to Christmas.  

 

Christmas is a time of faith.

The birth of Christ the Lord (Luke 2), God was with us, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).  “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).  The star on our Christmas tree should remind us of the star that shined over Bethlehem thousands of years ago when our God became a child in the womb of the virgin Mary, pregnant of the Holy Spirit and not with man (Matthew 1:18).  Joseph, Mary’s husband was told by an angel in a dream, “… call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

 

Christmas is a time of hope.

God chose Bethlehem as the place to be born, a place at the time thought least, becoming the place of the greatest (Matthew 2:6), a simple manger with Shepherds of the field as witnesses of His Glory (Luke 2).  After Jesus’ birth wise men came to Jerusalem seeking Him, and like those men of old even today if you seek Him He will be found.  Christmas is a time to come Home, and our hope is found in Him.

 

Christmas is a time of love.

Love does not seek its own; it seeks the needs of others.  It is about giving.  The Lamb of God, who chose to give His life for our sins.  He was faithful to His Word.  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men” (Luke 2:14)!

 

Merry Christmas!