Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:20 (NKJV) "Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."
There are countless things to love about the Christmas season. Whether it is the beautiful lights, carolers, cookies, family, friends, gifts, memories, a break from school, or a Christmas day snow, these things are fun and can be enjoyed. But it always amazes me how these lovely things of Christmas can cover up the real reason we celebrate Christmas, even among God-fearing Christians.
Behind all the minor features of Christmas, there is a person--Jesus Christ--who is the true meaning of the season. The Scripture records that He was born the "Son of the Highest" (Luke 1:32), and His mother, Mary, brought Him forth wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger" (2:7). After His birth, He grew up to be a boy who longed to please His heavenly Father, and who "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (2:41-52). Then, as a grown man, yet fully God (Colossians 2:9), He comforted and healed hurting people. He became our Savior, who willingly endured torture, shame, and death (Matthew 27:30-31). He suffered all this to take our sin and to give us His righteousness.
Some people, I believe, may think we have lost the spirit of this season if we start talking about the suffering of Christ. However, if our only thoughts are what we are going to buy for our loved ones, then we have missed the life-changing message of Christmas.
The message of Christmas is that we can have changed hearts because of what Jesus did for us on Calvary's cross. Our sin doesnt have to control us any longer if we give Him our heart in sincere repentance. This doesnt mean we wont struggle with temptation and sin, but we have the power through the Holy Spirit to be like Christ: gentle, controlled, patient, loving, faithful, good, and peaceful (Galatians 5:22-23). And by following Jesus example each day, we can be lights in the darkness, and we can invite those who dont have faith in Christ to unwrap the gift of salvation (Matthew 5:13-16).
If you feel overwhelmed this season because of stress at work, home, or school, and for some reason you cant see past the Christmas lights, gifts, and eggnog, then you need to look further to the painful journey Jesus took. If you are wanting to understand what the ultimate love of the Christmas season should be, it is sharing the whole story of Jesus' life, from birth to resurrection. Faith Lesson: The true spirit of Christmas is knowing that Christ was born to take our blame and sin.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Luke 2:1-20
Luke 2:20 (NKJV) "Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them."
There are countless things to love about the Christmas season. Whether it is the beautiful lights, carolers, cookies, family, friends, gifts, memories, a break from school, or a Christmas day snow, these things are fun and can be enjoyed. But it always amazes me how these lovely things of Christmas can cover up the real reason we celebrate Christmas, even among God-fearing Christians.
Behind all the minor features of Christmas, there is a person--Jesus Christ--who is the true meaning of the season. The Scripture records that He was born the "Son of the Highest" (Luke 1:32), and His mother, Mary, brought Him forth wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger" (2:7). After His birth, He grew up to be a boy who longed to please His heavenly Father, and who "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men" (2:41-52). Then, as a grown man, yet fully God (Colossians 2:9), He comforted and healed hurting people. He became our Savior, who willingly endured torture, shame, and death (Matthew 27:30-31). He suffered all this to take our sin and to give us His righteousness.
Some people, I believe, may think we have lost the spirit of this season if we start talking about the suffering of Christ. However, if our only thoughts are what we are going to buy for our loved ones, then we have missed the life-changing message of Christmas.
The message of Christmas is that we can have changed hearts because of what Jesus did for us on Calvary's cross. Our sin doesnt have to control us any longer if we give Him our heart in sincere repentance. This doesnt mean we wont struggle with temptation and sin, but we have the power through the Holy Spirit to be like Christ: gentle, controlled, patient, loving, faithful, good, and peaceful (Galatians 5:22-23). And by following Jesus example each day, we can be lights in the darkness, and we can invite those who dont have faith in Christ to unwrap the gift of salvation (Matthew 5:13-16).
If you feel overwhelmed this season because of stress at work, home, or school, and for some reason you cant see past the Christmas lights, gifts, and eggnog, then you need to look further to the painful journey Jesus took. If you are wanting to understand what the ultimate love of the Christmas season should be, it is sharing the whole story of Jesus' life, from birth to resurrection. Faith Lesson: The true spirit of Christmas is knowing that Christ was born to take our blame and sin.
In Christ,
Darin Smith
That was great! I think that Christmas has been lost to many. I know people who celebrate Christmas ( you know the tree, food, and Presents part) but who do not know Jesus. I wonder how did Christmas turn from such a special time to just presents for anyone to celebrate. I wish that for one year people would Celbrating Jesus rather than themselves!
