Christian Living

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HOW DO YOU CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS?


Think of Christmas. What’s the first image that comes to mind? Is it an Evergreen tree (real or artificial) with lights and a stack of gifts under it? Maybe you think of getting together with family and loved ones. Perhaps you think of snow or maybe an eager child on Christmas Eve, fighting sleep, trying to catch Santa in the act.

As Christians, what should our priority be on the day set aside to observe the birth of our Messiah? I choose to reflect on the miracle of the virgin birth. It amazes me every time I think about the intricate manifestation of The Holy Spirit, embedding the Son of God inside the untouched womb of a woman.

Isaiah 7:14 says “ Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and will call Him Immanuel” (God with us) Another verse in Isaiah (Isaiah 9:6) reads: “For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Luke 2:11 declares: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”

Christmas is a time to celebrate the love of God, who before the foundations of the worlds were laid knew that Man would fall and that a pure Savior would be needed to save us. This is the time of year to praise a merciful God, who’d send His Son to exchange His righteousness for our sin, who’d be lifted up on a rugged cross, who’d shed His blood for those who’d only believe in Him. He elected to perform the ultimate act of love, giving His life for us, who don’t deserve it and can never repay it.

We are redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus and during this holiday season, we, the redeemed, ought to say so – LOUDLY! The forces of commercialization and Satan have attempted to obscure the significance and power of what should be a holy day. Fictitious Santa’s and make believe reindeer get more media attention than our Savior. Shopping malls teem with people seeking to spend more than they have on that popular, but elusive toy, while too many church pews and offering envelopes go empty.

The world has turned sacred observances into cute occasions for merrymaking and foolishness. On Easter, a day to reflect on the birth, death and resurrection of our Risen Savior, the emphasis is on bunny rabbits and boiled eggs. Thanksgiving has become a day to roast turkey and overeat. Christmas is symbolized by a man in a red suit riding a sleigh.

How do you celebrate Christmas? Don’t let the Grinches of the world steal the real joy of Christmas from you. On Christmas morning, we ought to be prayed up. Before we do anything else, we should drop to our knees, praise Jesus for coming, thank God for sending Him and endeavor to be Christ-like. Celebrate the true reason for the season and tell somebody about Jesus, the Light Of The World.

Brother Kenya Branch

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