Luke 2:11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
What is Christmas, why do we celebrate? Towards the middle of October, decorations begin to pop up in the stores for Christmas. At the end of this same month, tree lots appear on intersection corners. Christmas is a day celebrated throughout our country in a majority of homes. It is as much a cultural tradition as it is a religious celebration. Ask others what this time of year is about and you will receive a variety of answers. Santa Claus, snowmen and reindeer, food, family, and friends. Amidst the presents and parties, lights, trees, and decorations, some people will focus on the birth of Jesus.
At this special time of year, Christmas carols and holiday music abound everywhere. Interesting to note – and perhaps why I personally get really excited about this holiday is the acceptance of recognizing and talking about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. People seem more open to the Truth at this time of year. The opportunities to share the Gospel abound as many of our cultural traditions point to the Christ child. Turn on almost any Christmas music station and carols of old will be playing. Listen carefully to the words and recognize that truth is shared as if they are hymns. Individuals everywhere sing of the glory of Jesus’ birth at Christmas time, even if truth has not been accepted, some oblivious to the words they are expressing in a familiar tune.
In the Christian household, the center of Christmas is the celebration of a birthday – the birth of Jesus Christ. Consider the planning of a milestone birthday for an individual. Perhaps it is the very first birthday of a child or the birthday that puts a child in the category of ‘two digits’, or becoming a teenager. Maybe it’s the fiftieth birthday commonly known as ‘over-the-hill’. And for some, we may even be around to celebrate our sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond.
Most everyone has either had a significant birthday party or has been to one. A lot of effort goes into the planning and preparation. There is food to make, decorations to put up, presents to purchase and usually a cake to bake. Party hats, balloons and banners are often part of the celebration.
Consider Christmas – the most significant birthday ever recorded. Christmas is the grand celebration of our Savior’s birth, Christ the Lord. What happened when Jesus Christ was born is the world was given a gift. It is not that we brought something to Him, God gave His Son to us. We give gifts because we care about someone. God gave Jesus because He loves you. Have you accepted the gift He offers? It is free to receive yet was purchased with a great cost. Christ was born to die for the sin of all mankind. God’s love is so great that He gave us His Son as the only acceptable and perfect sacrifice that would pay the price of man’s transgression.
I pray your Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Not only the birth but the gift of life we have in Him. He was born to die, He willingly suffered for man even while He was innocent, He alone was able to pay the price we owe for our sin. Jesus was crucified, died, was buried and arose from the grave in His victory over sin’s power. All because of God’s love for you. The greatest gift we can give to those we care about is the Truth of Christmas.
Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
Good news – the gospel: Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection; God’s forgiveness, our atonement and the promise of a glorious future in heaven
Great joy – exceeding gladness
All people – offered to everyone everywhere
A Savior – our Deliverer
Christ – the anointed, the Messiah
The Lord – supreme in authority, Master, God
This is Christmas. Celebrate the Truth!
