by David Brenneman
When we get closer to Christmas there's always time to consider what the celebration really is about and regardless of what any business, small or big, it's never been about making money.
It's always been about the right time.
It was spoken of long long ago through various prophets, the likes of Isaiah, Jeremiah and others that foretold of a virgin as yet unborn herself that would give birth to the Savior of the world. The Emmanuel "God with us". The coming of the forerunner, in the spirit and power of Elijah who would make straight the path for the Lord.
And as we can read and find such in the Old Testament, we read and find that it really happened.
"Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them." Luke 2:1-20.
While many do and many don't look for the meaning of Christmas, or ask what is it about, I personally am glad that Charles Schultz did so well to include it in the television special "A Charlie Brown Christmas". When asked of including something so obviously spiritual and Christian into this he simply said "if we don't, who will?".
God came to Earth to save sinners of which all who have come in the last few thousand years can attest that they stand with Paul to say of which they too could be the chiefest of all sinners.
Jesus came to live as one of us, enduring everything we would, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and yet was still without sin. "He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:21.
Jesus told many that He came to seek and save the lost.
He came, lived a sinless life, was scourged, and died on a cross in the place of sinful men and women throughout human history.
He took our place on Calvary.
Jesus came at just the right time in human history to fulfill the plan of His Father in Heaven. God isn't willing, wanting, any to perish but that all would come to Christ for salvation. He doesn't want anyone to spend eternity separated from God. He came to save. But we must ask for His free gift of salvation. He will knock on the door of hearts everywhere until a specific day set by His Father comes and then all who are saved will go to forever be with Him.
So keep in mind that this time of year isn't about who has come or left your life its about who loved you so much that He laid down His life for you.
Celebrate that instead of allowing life to drown out the true meaning of Christmas.
That "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16.
Take time to thank God for sending His Son to take your place and give you eternal life in Christ, THAT is the true meaning of Christmas.
Take that great love for you and share it with those around you.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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