Here we are at Christmas once again. This normal time of happiness closes out a tough year for many people. Their happiness and joy has taken a real gut punch. It may be the perfect time to take another look at Christmas.
Christmas was a pagan celebration to bring in the changing of the seasons, the winter solstice. The name Christmas comes from the phrase Mass of Christ. The name of Christmas and the date of December 25th was started in the year 336 ad. After emperor Constantine became a Christian, he proclaimed that date as Christmas.
Over the years, Christmas evolved into a secular holiday for most people. It is a time of family and friends, exchanging gifts, and celebrating together in most of the world, There is little or no connection to Jesus.
In times like these, it is especially important to remember the real reason for the season. Jesus Christ. If we think about many of the things we hear, and see, at this time of year, it is easy for most people to get distracted.
The Angels proclaimed Joy to the world to the shepherds, lowest of the low. That Joy would come when people started to realize what a Savior was, and why He came.
Over the years, what we call hymns, and many of the Christmas carols, we're written by people expressing their Joy and reverence for the Christ Child. The next time you hear songs like Silent Night, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, and many others think about the words and what they really mean. They will touch your soul. They will awaken your spirit.
A couple of facts to remember. Man was born separated from God because of sin. Man had no way to redeem himself. He needed a savior more than a man dying of thirst needs water.
John 3:16 - 17, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.
Because of Jesus coming, man could be redeemed. Man was saved from eternity in hell, because Jesus took all of man's sins on himself. He had to die in man's place. When Jesus conquered the grave and satan, man was given Jesus righteousness and was made right with God.
Think about this. If Jesus was never born, as our savior, we would be doomed forever. If He didn't die on the cross and rise again, we would be doomed forever. If all of this isn't a reason for joy, and praising the Lord, I don't know what is.
With those two events in the history of man we have been given a fresh start and eternity with the Lord. God also gave us the Holy Spirit, whose job is to teach us, guide us, and help us to follow the Lord's plan for each of our lives, and to live according to His will. Since Jesus conquered satan and death, we have the Holy Spirit and we have nothing to fear. God bless you and your family.
Praise The Lord!
Remember Jesus loves you.
Prayer of Salvation
Lord Jesus, please forgive all of my sins, and come into my heart as my personal savior. I want to serve only you.
Praise The Lord!
Amen
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