Christmas is Special
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 shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall 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 for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts 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 fuller during Christmas than any other time of the year.
Why is Christmas so special? “For God so loved the world, that 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 of 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! It is not creation, nor 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 cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” Christmas is the coming of the Savior into the world through His birth to be the sacrifice so desperately needed!
John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as 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, 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!
That’s why I love Christmas SO much. At Christmas, we see the full drama of redemption made complete by the Babe in the manger, the sinless life, the substitutionary death on the Cross, and His resurrection from the grave.
Do what the shepherds did that first Christmas morning: see the Christ in 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 yourself in holiness, sacrifice, and service. Have the greatest Christmas ever as you do so!
From my heart and home to yours; Merry Christmas!
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Bruce Cannon is the Pastor of Pine Branch Baptist Church in Spruce Pine, NC
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