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This Week’s Devotional Topic
CHRISTMAS IS…
Most of us remember when a very popular question circulated through the Christian community: “What Would Jesus Do?” Also expressed by the acronym “WWJD”.
Let’s think about this for a moment. What would Jesus say as He completed the sentence: Christmas is…? He might say something like “that is an event created by man in celebration of my birth, coming to earth in order to live as an example to my followers, to teach about Who I am, God/Man and to spread the good news that I will provide salvation by my sacrificial death and resurrection.”
Well my friend, how do you complete that sentence. How do you describe what Christmas is?
Like me, many of you would say that Christmas brings back many pleasant memories of celebrations as I was growing up. Traditions that included a Christmas tree, lights, gifts and family time.
I remember time with our five children when they were very young and I would gather them around on Christmas Eve to read the Christmas story, the events surrounding the birth of Christ.
And many times, we would gather to go sing Christmas Carols to our neighbors and occasionally we would visit local nursing homes and sing to the people as we walked through the halls.
For some it brings back some sadness as we think about many of our family members who are no longer with us, or some family and friends who live too far away to be with us on that special day.
Christmas Eve had a few different traditions over the years for my family. On some occasions we were able to attend special services at our church. As our children were younger, Sue and I would put the kids in bed, then we would enjoy putting gifts in their stockings, hung on the mantel with care.
Then Christmas Day we would typically have the kids gather round the room and open their stockings. We would enjoy cinnamon rolls, fresh out of the oven. Then we would get comfortable around the tree as we opened the rest of the gifts.
Yes, Christmas is many things to us but I think most would agree that Christmas is a celebration of Jesus Christ and all that His coming has brought to us. As we think on these things, listen to the historical record surrounding that event.
Luke 2:1-20 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Dear friends; please join me as we go our ways, glorifying and praising God for all the things we have heard and seen.
This week’s Scripture:
Luke 1: 26-35; 2:1-20
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