For many, Christmas is the time of year when colorful lights and decorations go up, people plan parties, and shoppers go crazy, looking for bargains.
Christmas means something different to everyone. To some people, it is a time of sadness, loneliness, and despair. For others, it is a time of celebration and rejoicing.
Let’s look into the deeper meaning of Christmas. It is a celebration of the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ who would bring much-needed hope to this world. He was a gift from God for all mankind.
2,000 years ago, this special child was born in the small town of Bethlehem to a young couple named Joseph and Mary. Although she was a virgin, God chose her to carry His son, the Messiah.
When Mary and Joseph reached Bethlehem, they sought a place to stay, but nothing was available. An innkeeper directed them to the right place for Him to be born.
After Jesus was born, some gathered and brought Him gifts. Today, gift exchange is a common practice. It symbolizes the spirit of giving and generosity. Just as God gave us His beloved son to redeem us and be our example of how to live, give, and be prepared to die.
So why was that baby boy Jesus so special? Because He would live among us as an example of how we should live with one another. His desire when He fulfilled His purpose in coming was to bring us back to God. One of my favorite verses in the New Testament is:
2 Corinthians 5:18-19
18 “…And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them…”
My prayer is that you and I will allow Christ the Messiah to become the reason for all we think, say, and do. May each of you have a wonderful and Blessed Christmas.
“…And all these things are from God who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and who has given us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them…” 2 Corinthians 5:18-19