With the upcoming Holiday celebration a foot, I think about where this holiday's humble beginnings are rooted. In Christ. Some folks would argue that Easter (the celebration of Christ's death and resurrection) would be the bigger one to celebrate. Let me start, I am not here to argue. I am here to share the gospel according to how it has applied to my life. Christmas is filled with wonder; beauty, birth, a hope and a future all because our Savior was born on this day. Without His birth we wouldn't have eternal life, because without His birth we wouldn't have His death either.
It all began with Mary. A faithful servant of God. Mary was already pledged to a man named Joseph.
"The angel went to her and said, greetings you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.
Mary was troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, do not be afraid, Mary you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you will give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High." Luke 1:28-32
Christ's birth truly is the greatest story ever told! An unlikely beginning, ending with a ground shaking ending.
I understand why we give gifts at Christmas time. I got roped into that for a while too. More was better. Not gifts necessarily from the heart, just more. More stuff. And you know where I'll go with that, read my blog entry entitled "stuff." I have decided (because I was inspired by something I heard on the radio) that next year we should only give each other 3 gifts because, after all, that's all Jesus received. That sounds like a reasonably amount of gifts to give to your loved ones. And the rest that would ordinarily be given, give to a family that is in need. Or someone you know doesn't have family or anyone to celebrate with.
Through the years, thanks to the way our world has been heading and thanks to our social media- the reason for the season has been nearly forgotten. Except to those of us who have Christ living in our hearts. Some would argue that the Bible is so old and doesn't apply to life here and now but those who know Christ know it's more applicable than ever! Jesus is more real than ever too. This year I just want to give thanks and praise to God for His birth! Without Him I am nothing.
"The Lord is my strength and my shield." Psalms 28:7
" I can do everything though Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
Our world is plagued with a not enough feeling. Everything is never enough. Paul speaks of contentment in Philippians 4:10.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and i know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:10-13
I had to put the prelude to Philippians 4:13 in here too because it very much has to do with this season too. As I have posted in the past, there any many who don't have and are in want or need. They very well could be like Paul in their situations and be content. But, there are those of us who have and should give to the have nots.
The true reason for the season is to give thanks and glory to our Savior Jesus Christ for the life He has given us. For the life that He stepped into and became flesh to reconcile us to God. Without Him this life is all that we have. And I am not willing to bet on my own intelligence that there is nothing beyond here. Because there is too much written, seen and unseen for me not to believe in Christ. He came here to give us life. And I want to invite you all this Christmas season to celebrate His life with all of your hearts.
Merry Christmas, God bless!
No comments:
Post a Comment