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I actually like Christmas
decorations and Christmas trees, and all of the traditions that surround the
holiday. It reminds me that this is a time for celebration of what God has
done for us. Let’s just be careful that we don’t get carried away and find
ourselves worshiping the secular Christmas – trees, decorations, gifts,
food, concerts, etc.
Christmas time brings out
the best in people too. There is more sharing and people trying to help
those less fortunate than them selves.
I think it’s great to
have a time when it’s acceptable to talk about Jesus. In fact Christmas
provides an opportunity for us to talk about why His birth is important. We
aren’t just celebrating the birth of a baby. That happens thousands of times
a day!
We are celebrating the
“flesh & blood” entry into this world of the God of the Universe. Motivated
by love for each person who ever lived and ever will live.
This was God’s way of
becoming intimate with the human race – by becoming human.
This was the beginning of
His life without sin in preparation for making the ultimate sacrifice, to
make a way for sinful people to have eternal life.
This was to clearly
demonstrate the characteristics of God to fallen man.
Now, that’s something to
CELEBRATE! Don’t miss the opportunity to Celebrate our Lord! Let’s be sure
that everyone around us understands the reason we’re celebrating this
Christmas.
Let’s think about the
first Christmas.
I’d like to read a few
Christmas verses from the Bible.
John 3:16, 17
John 1:1-14
Philippians 2:3-11
This is the Jesus, whose
birth we are celebrating.
Don’t miss Him!
Who was there to
celebrate His Birth?
Angels
Mary & Joseph
Shepherds
Magi came
later
They were all expecting
to see God’s gift to humanity – and they did.
Who missed the
celebration?
Political
Leaders
Religious
Leaders
Why did they miss
Him?
They were comfortable
with their world. They weren’t interested in having it disrupted. If
anything, they wanted to kill him to maintain the status quo.
This Christmas, I hope
you are looking for Jesus!
I hope you are willing to
let him change your world! Maybe He will like what He sees or maybe He will
turn your life upside down.
Are you willing to take a
risk? As our Sabbath School lesson pointed out today, Jesus can’t save you
until you are willing to let Him save you.
When you get to that
point, to stop trying to control everything, then He can change you – from
the inside – out. [For it is God who works in you to will and to act
according to His good purpose. Phil 2:13]
You can be a NEW person –
you’ll hardly recognize yourself once Jesus has taken over. You’ll start
looking like Him!
And that is GOOD NEWS!
That is why we celebrate
His birth. That is why we want to tell the world about Jesus: the one who
not only provides us the way to Eternal Life, but also the One who has the
power to change people like you and me to be kind, loving, and
compassionate.
This Christmas, let’s
take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate our Lord and Savior! Let’s
celebrate the salvation that He provides us and share the Good News with our
families, friends, and neighbors. Let’s demonstrate the character of Christ
to those around us. Let’s be compassionate and look for those who are
hurting and bring them some comfort. Let’s give, not because we will get,
but because of our love for others.
I wish you all a joyful
Christmas! |
