‘Tis the season for gift giving, parties and hours upon countless hours of shopping for our loved ones for the holidays. Yes, it is a wonderful time simply to enjoy one another’s company throughout this fun season. I truly love it because although it’s inevitable to fall into the hustle and bustle of season, the reason behind Christmas is so special to each of us. And that’s what I want to talk about today – remembering the reason for the season.
Just remember Christ.that’s all He asks. That’s all I want to encourage you do to as well. I’m just as guilty as the next person when it comes to stressing about what presents to get who and when to get all of my shopping and cooking done for this and that Christmas party. And even though we may find ourselves stuck in a Wal-Mart check-out line ¼ of a mile long, it is essential that we remember the reason behind this wonderful Christmas season.
• Jesus was born miraculously of a virgin: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost,” (Matthew 1:18).
• Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world: “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins,” (Matthew 1:21).
• Jesus’ birth fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy: ” Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet,” (Matthew 1:22). “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6).
• Jesus was, is and always will be with us: “Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us,” (Matthew 1:23).
I urge you to just remember why we celebrate this season of giving. It’s not just to receive cards and presents from friends and family; it is, however, in wondrous celebration of the glorious Savior Jesus Christ who was born for each and every one of us. Please, just remember our Savior during Christmas!! I’ll leave you with this familiar yet awesome story of the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ our Lord – MERRY CHRISTMAS!
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came
upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:
and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them,
Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great
joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born
this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is
Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign
unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped
in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace, good will toward men.
And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven,
the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto
Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass,
which the Lord hath made known unto us.
And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that
heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the
shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them
in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and
praising God for all the things that they had heard
and seen, as it was told unto them,” (Luke 2:1-20).
Merry Christmas to you !