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...the Bible tells me so:
Thoughts on Christmas
Growing up in a home that was generally Protestant, thoughts of Christmas were somewhere between the North Pole and the manger. As a child, the presents obviously were my favorite part of Christmas. Also, Mom played all kinds of Christmas record albums. The story of Jesus' birth was nice, but not very meaningful to me.
Today, I am not interested in the presents. I love Christmas music. Recently, I came enjoy the music of the season even more because I do not have to be concerned about vulgar language or foul lifestyles. The music reflects our traditions in the secular Christmas and the greatness of Jesus the Savior. I even listen to renditions of Christmas music by Mannheim Steamroller, year-round. Yet, in everything, the story of Jesus is of utmost importance to me.
While the birth
of Jesus is not a biblical holiday—the only one is the weekly celebration of
His death, many people honored His birth. When we consider the records in
Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1:26-56 and 2:1-52, we see Mary and her cousin, Elizabeth,
the angels, the wise men from the East and the shepherds. Even wicked King
Herod the Great recognized the birth of Christ the Lord as he cruelly ordered
infanticide in
Because of my
respect for what the Scriptures say and do not say, I celebrate Christmas as a
secular holiday. Although many aspects of the celebration come from
non-Christians origins, such as the date of December 25 (the winter solstice)
and the Christmas tree (from pagan ancient
However, I am very thankful that during the period between Thanksgiving and New Years, spiritual and religious people are reminded of the significance of Jesus’ first coming, the incarnation of the Son of God, through the music and the special events. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court keeps removing God from our schools, the Sealy school choirs still sing spiritual songs celebrating the birth of Jesus, and our school bands still play the music of such songs.
What are some of the Scriptures that emphasize the meaning of the incarnation?
· “When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish His kingdom. He shall build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of His kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-13 NRSV).
· “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name Him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:13-14; see Matthew 1:21-23).
· “For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon His shoulders; and He is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
· “But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days” (Micah 5:2).
· “In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed His star at its rising, and have come to pay Him homage’ ” (Matthew 2:1-2; see verses 9-11).
· “And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33).
· “To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Think for a moment, what would be lost if Jesus had never been born? There would not be a sacrificial death and a resurrection of hope. We would have no King, no Priest and no Prophet. We would not have any blessings of cleansing, forgiveness, eternal life, holiness, redemption, adoption, justification, glorification, or grace. The only things left would be divine anger and a hell, full to the brim. I tremble at the thought.
I am very thankful that God had a Son. Commit your very heart and soul to His service. Turn your sins over to Him for forgiveness. Make the Son of God your Lord and Savior, today.
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