Christmas. It really is the most wonderful time of the year. The sites, the sounds, the lights, the music, the festivities – everything gives way to the joyous holiday we call Christmas.
But what is it really all about? Why do we celebrate this December 25th event? Is it all about the jolly man in the red suit with the long white beard? Or is it about so much more than sleigh bells, mistletoe and Santa Claus?
During this Christmas season, we are going to spend the month of December examining what Christmas is all about. I hope you will join us as we focus on the reason for the season.
In short, Christmas is all about Jesus! It’s a day we set aside to celebrate the virgin birth of the Savior of the world.
Unfortunately, many people don’t even know why it’s the most wonderful time of the year. Today, many store employees are prohibited from using the word, “Christmas.” Many businesses have taken down their “Merry Christmas” signs in lieu of “Happy Holidays.” Schools have changed their verbiage to “Happy Winter Solstice.”
Christ-mas is about Christ. He is the reason for the season. The very term defines its purpose.
Jesus. The Son of God, the Son of Man. The Savior of the world. The King of kings, the Lord of lords, the Messiah, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Emmanuel – God with us.
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:8-12 (NLT)
The silence of God’s written Word was broken when the Living Word took center stage as a babe in a manger. The curtain had finally been pulled back on what had been shrouded in mystery for oh-so long. The long awaited promise had been fulfilled. The Messiah was born and He would save His people from their sins.
As Christmas fast approaches, we have the privilege of celebrating all He is. The One who spoke this world into being humbled Himself and became a servant. It didn’t begin in a manger – it started before the foundation of the world.
“Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began“ 2 Timothy 1:9
“…in the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time” 1 Timothy 1:2
Our salvation was God’s plan long before He breathed life into Adam. But it’s important to know that our salvation meant there had to be a cross; and if there was a cross there would first have to be a manger.
That’s why we celebrate. Because God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) And because of that life-changing, eternity-altering truth, Jesus is the reason for the season.
I hope you will join us every step of our Christmas journey. It’s going to be exciting!
Was just talking about this with one of my teens this morning … Christmas was the fulfillment of God’s promise. The coming of Jesus as a human being proved, again, that God does what He says He will do. Makes me want to say, “Merry Covenant Keeping!” Looking forward to a great month of celebration.
Julie ~ Like you, I rejoice in the reality that God is a covenant keeping God! How awesome to know we can trust Him to do what He says He will do. :-)
“Our salvation was God’s plan long before He breathed life into Adam. But it’s important to know that our salvation meant there had to be a cross; and if there was a cross there would first have to be a manger.”
Beautifully put, Stephanie! It is truly amazing and awesome (in the real senses of those words) that God has had this grace of our salvation planned since before time as we know it.
And, Julie, I love “Merry Covenant Keeping!” That’s great!
Caroline ~ I love how He loved us and planned to redeem us long before we were ever created. What an awesome God!