When celebrating Christmas
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” (Matt. 2:10)
During the months of November and December, the Hallmark movie channel plays one Christmas movie after another. Like other Hallmark movies they are predictable: boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl back, and ends with a kiss as the credits roll by — only these holiday movies are loaded with brightly decorated cities with colorful Christmas trees, garland, mistletoe, holly and jingle bells. My wife, Susan, loves them, so I have sat through many with her. I have noticed that most of them totally miss the true meaning of Christmas about the joyful good news first proclaimed to a few shepherds tending their sheep, that a Savior has been born, who is Christ the Lord. Now, for the record, I’m not against celebrating Christmas with all the holiday trappings, just as long as we remember the reason for the season. I do love the Christmas carols and I love that people generally seem more happy and charitable at Christmas time. A beautiful song written by Ray Hildebrand, and made popular by singer, Evie Tornquist Karlsson, says it very well:
“Come on ring those bells, light the Christmas tree, Jesus is the king, born for you and me. Come on ring those bells, everybody say, ‘Jesus we remember this, your birthday!’”
A reminder of the true meaning of Christmas
“Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us.” (Matt. 1:23)
“For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6)
“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.” (Luke 2:10:11)
“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.” (Luke 2:13-14)
Therefore…
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Quotes:
“Good news from heaven the angels bring, Glad tidings to the earth they sing: To us this day a child is given, To crown us with the joy of heaven.” – Martin Luther
“May Jesus be your: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace… Moment by moment now, and throughout Eternity.” (Isa. 9:6) – Corrie Ten Boom