Tuesday, December 22, 2015

JESUS--THE REASON WE CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS


What comes to mind first when you think of Christmas?  If we are honest, I think most of us would have to admit that we get caught up in the preparation for the celebration.  Some of us look forward to this time of year with joy, while others not so much for different reasons—it’s associated with the loss of a loved one, the stress on finances, etc. 

The first thing we should think about is the true reason for the season.  The birth of a baby boy in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, the Son of God choosing to become human so that man could be redeemed and once again enjoy fellowship with his/her Creator.  That choice was made with full knowledge of the sacrifice that it would require of Him—the most important being that He would experience a time of broken fellowship with His Father, Almighty God, as He took upon Himself the judgment for our sin. 

I can read about it, tell you about it and tell the LORD over and over how thankful I am for that truth—still, I don’t believe I will truly understand the cost of that sacrifice until I get to heaven.  Even then, I may not fully grasp the truth; but I will know without a doubt how precious a relationship with Father God is and how the joys associated with that relationship are so worth any type of disappointment, sorrow or suffering we may endure in this lifetime as we wait to enjoy our inheritance in His presence for eternity.

I truly hope that you will take the time to thank God for the gift of His Son this Christmas.  The signs of the times foretold in scripture so long ago are so conspicuous, that I won’t be surprised if this is the last Christmas we experience before the LORD comes to take His family home.  Are you part of His family?  If not, all you have to do is accept God’s gift of salvation in the person of Jesus.  You just have to admit your sin and accept Jesus as your LORD and Savior.

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

You cannot earn your way to heaven.  The best that you have to offer—no matter how rich you are or how good you think you are—is not enough.  Nothing you have done will keep you out of heaven if you seek God’s forgiveness.  It’s not about who you are; it’s all about what He’s done.  The scripture record includes many people that did the most evil and wicked things who turned to the LORD in faith and repentance—men and women that I know I will see in heaven.  Don’t let the enemy deceive you into believing a lie.

If you are part of my spiritual family in Jesus, I pray that you will set some time aside in your celebration to worship our LORD and thank Him for the amazing gift of His Son.  Look for opportunities to share His love with others.  Sometimes it’s the little things we do that speak the loudest.

MERRY CHRISTMAS…..AND KEEP LOOKING UP…..HE’S COMING SOON!

















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