Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11
Christmas is a time that is celebrated by people all around the world. Children and adults all look forward to getting and giving gifts to each other. It is often a time of getting together with family for the celebration.
While all of this is great and fun, many people do not know the true reason for celebrating Christmas. To most it is just about the fun times and gifts. There is much more to it than gifts and fun.
Nearly 2,000 years ago a little baby was born in a manger and was unseen and unknown by most people at the time. This baby was to be someone very different than anyone else ever born.
Shepherds that were tending their sheep in the night were the first to find out how this baby was very special. A large host of angels appeared to them and told them that they were bring great news for everyone. That great news was that the Savior, who is Christ the Lord–the long awaited Messiah–was born in Bethlehem. For several thousand years, people had been waiting for and looking for the coming Messiah, Jesus, and now He was here.
Some time later Jesus was brought to the temple and Simeon said of Jesus:
For my eyes have seen Your salvation which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32
God no longer appeared just to the Jewish Israelites, but was now appearing to everyone. Salvation was not just for one group of people, but for all people of every nation. Jesus was to be the light unto the world for all to see. Later Jesus would die on a cross to pay for all sins. Three days later He would rise again to be able to remove all sins. Only through Jesus is there salvation.
Only through Jesus can one get into heaven.
Only through Jesus can one know God.
Only through Jesus can one be transformed and changed into a new creation.
Only through Jesus can one be forgiven of ALL sins.
Without Jesus none of this could ever have occurred. People would still be left in their sins, condemned to die and be cast into hell for eternity, separated from God for eternity.
Jesus is the greatest gift of all time to all people. He is not just here for the Israelites, but everyone. As you celebrate Christmas, I want you to recognize who Jesus is. I want you to know Him personally and have a relationship with Him as Lord and Savior.
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-40
Go to Jesus and repent of your sins. Give your life to Him and accept the greatest gift of all eternity–life. This is an abundant life that will last for eternity. It does not mean an end to struggles, but that God will be with you and never leave nor forsake you.
Have a wonderful and very merry Christmas as you celebrate the greatest gift in eternity–Jesus Christ!
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know Jesus as the greatest gift of all time; that you will repent of all sins; that you will know the true reason for celebrating Christmas; and that God will bless you richly in all ways.
Picture credits in order of appearance:
Photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash
Photo by Walter Chávez on Unsplash
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