“Glorious now, behold Him arise! King and God and Sacrifice!”. “Nails, spear, shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you; Hail, hail, the Word made flesh, the Babe , the Son of Mary.” “His power and glory, evermore proclaim!”. “Word of The Father, now in flesh appearing!”. “Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day, to save us all from Satan’s power, when we were gone astray!”. “Veiled in flesh The Godhead see! Hail the Incarnate Deity! Pleased as man with man to dwell, Jesus our Emmanuel! Mild He lays His glory by! Born that man no more may die! Born to raise the sons of earth! Born to give them second birth!”. “Now you need not fear the grave! Peace! Peace! Jesus Christ was born to save!” “Joy to the world, The Lord has come! Let earth receive her King!”.
These are just a few lines of the many Christmas Carols we sing during this time of year. In just singing these songs, we are proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They preach the message of God’s love for mankind, and His perfect plan to redeem His people from sin and destruction. Yes, Jesus Christ was born to die, and rise again; that we may have eternal life. He came to reconcile mankind to The Father in Heaven.
What a glorious truth! God put on flesh, and The Creator became His creation in the person of Jesus Christ. He humbled Himself to become a man, that He may be a merciful and faithful High Priest, and help those who are tempted (Heb 2:14-18). He came to take our sinfulness and give us His righteousness. He came to take our despair and give us hope. He came to take our fear and give us courage. He came to restore, heal, and give love, peace, joy.
This is what Christmas is all about. A time to truly focus on Jesus. The actual date of His birth; the actual number of wise men; the actual definition of Inn or Manger is really irrelevant. What is relevant; what is important; is what happened! Jesus became our Emmanuel - God with us! He came to show us Who God really is. He and His Father are One. If we have seen and heard Jesus, we have seen and heard The Father. To observe Jesus’ words, actions, and attitudes; is to observe The Father’s as well. We do not know God, if we do not know Jesus.
Christmas is a time of giving. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given (Isa 9:6)”. This Child born and Son given is called the Mighty God and Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor and Prince of Peace. God is the great gift giver, and like Him, we focus on giving this time of year (Jam 1:17). A time to think of others.
Christmas is a time of friends, family, fellowship, and feasting. To share God’s love with each other and bless each other. To thank God for His gifts, and to enjoy the abundant blessings He has provided.
Christmas is a time of decorating. It brings joy and excitement to see the lights of Christmas, reminding us of the beauty and splendor of the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. The Christmas tree in so many ways paints a picture of Jesus. It is evergreen, and in Jesus is everlasting life (1Jn 5:11). It points to Heaven, showing Jesus is the Way, the truth, and the Life (Jn 14:6, Act 4:12). It is crowned with a star, and Jesus is the bright and morning star (Rev 22:16). It is covered with lights, and Jesus is the Light of Life (Jn 1:4). It signifies our union with Jesus. He is the vine and we are the branches (Jn 15:5). The ornaments represent the good fruit we produce, the fruit of the Spirit, when we are plugged into the Vine.
The popular Christmas candy, the candy cane, is also a great representation of The Lord Jesus. The shape of a shepherd’s staff (Jn 10:14), as Jesus is our Good Shepherd; turn it over, and it is a letter J for Jesus, which means “God’s salvation” (Mt 1:21). It is sweet, like Jesus (2Cor 2:15); it is pure white, symbolizing the sinless Son of God. It is striped, for by His stripes, we are healed (Isa 53:5). The stripes are red, which represent His blood that washes away all our sins (1Jn 1:7).
Jesus was born to die, that you may live. Believe on Him today. Accept His sacrifice for your sin. You must be born again. God has made the way to receive everlasting life. Do not die in your sins. Do not choose Hell and destruction. Choose life. Call on Jesus. Repent and be baptized. Please pray from the depth of your heart: “Dear Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner. I confess that I have sinned against You, and I am in need of salvation. I call on You for salvation. I believe in my heart You are raised from the dead. I confess with my mouth that you are Lord. Be born in me today. Make me a new creation. Have Your way in me Lord. Fill me with your Holy Spirit. By faith I take hold of Your promise. I receive Your free gift of righteousness and salvation. Thank You Lord for your gift of eternal life!” Have a very merry, blessed, and joyful Christmas!
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