Christmas
By Bruce Cannon
Mitchell County
Isaiah 9:6,7 “ for unto us, a child is born, unto us, a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name should be called wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the prince of peace. Of the increase of his government and peace, there should be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of host will perform this. “
I love Christmas! People are much more loving, kind, and giving during the Christmas season than at any other time of the year. Cards are sent to folks we haven’t thought of in a long time. Gifts are given. Time is spent with family. Churches are more full during Christmas than any other time of the year.
Why is Christmas so special? “ For God, so loved the world, he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) At Christmas, we see reminders of the greatest gift ever given. We see live nativities and manger scenes. We hear the Christian Christmas music playing. The houses of God and homes are adorned with decorations showing our thankfulness for this amazing gift!
The greatest gift of all time and eternity is Jesus! We were lost and had to have a Savior! We could not help ourselves. Left to our own devices and abilities we would all die lost in sin. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love, wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ,”(By grace, ye are saved;) (Ephesians 2:4,5) Thank you, Lord!
The greatest miracle of all time is Jesus! Not creation, not man’s being on earth though those are two amazing feats. When Paul considered the greatest demonstration of the power of God, he spoke of Jesus. (Philippians 3:10)
All of the Bible is about the coming of the Lord Jesus to save man from his sin. Let me share a few verses that speak to this, and which speak of His purpose and glory:
Hebrews 10:5 “ Wherefore when he come into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering that wouldest not, But a body hast thou prepared me.” Christmas is the coming of the savior into the world. And through His birth, He is the sacrifice we so desperately need!
John 1:14 “ And the word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (And we held his glory, the glory of the only begotten of the father,) full of grace and truth.”
Philippians 2:5-8 “ let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross .”
What is Christmas? It is God’s rescue mission to save man from his sin. Though Christ is the perfect example for all of us to follow, And, though He lived a perfect and sinless life that was worthy of redeeming man from His sin, it was His death and bloodshed that paid the price which satisfied the righteous demands of God to save all of mankind!
Our hearts have been broken so badly because of all the suffering we have experienced and have seen others experience because of Helene! So many families have lost family members in the storm; most of us have had property destroyed or badly damaged. Businesses have had to close because of the flooding. Lives have been disrupted. It will be a long time before we truly recover from the storm! But, maybe, just maybe the birth of the savior can draw our minds away from all the bad and to the fact that we did have a savior born and that He has walked with us during the past months. He is our “Ever present help in times of trouble.” He is touched by the sorrows we have had to face and is our merciful, faithful high priest, who bids us “Come unto me all that labor and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Amen!
Do what the shepherd did that first Christmas; see the Christ with your heart! Realize what He went through just for you to be saved. Do what the wise men did. Bring him gifts; He’s so worthy of all we can give! This Christmas give Him to you in holiness, sacrifice, and service. Let Him come into your heart in all of his fullness and glory. He will mend your broken heart, and give you His peace, His power, and His strength.
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Bruce Cannon is the Pastor of Pine Branch Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC
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