My apologies for not writing in a while, you know how busy life can get around the holidays. But let's take a break from the chaos for just a minute to remember why we in fact celebrate Christmas:
In Genesis we learn of how God creates the heavens and the earth. The beasts that roam the land, sky and sea. He creates man in His image and he says, "It is good." (Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31) God created us PERFECT in His image-without sin and we reflected Him. We were created to walk with God in perfect harmony, we were with Him, not separated from Him or without Him. Then the serpent, the evil enemy Satan betrayed Adam and Eve, and they knew sin. The fall had taken place (Genesis 3:1-7). When the fall occurred, man became eternally separated from God.
God loved us so much, he knew something had to be done so that He could be reunited with us, His beloved children. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whom ever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." God sent Jesus, His one and only son, to be born of a virgin and live among us as a man. He sent Jesus, the perfect lamb, He who lived without sin to die on the cross as a sacrifice for all mankind so that we may be reunited with God our father for eternity.
The Christmas story gives a biblical account of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. You can find and read the full Christmas story in the New Testament books of Matthew and Luke in the Bible.
So at Christmas time we are celebrating Jesus' birth. Because this is where the story of Jesus' life purpose begins, and ends of course with the Easter story. We as Christians are reflecting on and remembering this gift God is offering to us-the gift of Jesus birth, death and resurrection offers us salvation and eternal life. We have a choice: To chose the gift of salvation or not to. It is the greatest gift one could ever be given, or receive. God extends the gift of salvation to us ALL freely. Good works, or being a "good person" cannot earn you salvation. All you need is believe and accept that man has fallen, we NEED Christ's forgiveness, redemption and saving grace. Know and believe that Jesus was indeed sent by God the Father to this earth to live and die a death we deserve. So in return, lay down your worldy lifestyle to serve and honor Him by living a life that reflects Him to biblical standards.
If you are unsure of what living a lifestyle that reflects Him looks like, talk to your pastor, a Christian mentor or friend. Study God's word, the bible. The bible is very clear on what living a Godly lifestyle looks like. If you truly seek Him and a relationship with Him, your life will reflect that and you will bear fruit.
If you accept this gift, and chose to follow Him, He will enter into your heart, your life, as the Holy Spirit. Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."
Merry Christmas Everyone! May God Bless and keep you.
Remember Jesus IS the reason for the season! Let's keep "Christ" in Christmas.
