Podcast: Play in new window | Download
This Week’s Devotional Topic
WHAT CHRISTMAS REALLY IS
How would you complete the phrase: “Christmas is…”? As you think about that, here are details of the very first Christmas.
The Birth of Christ
Luke 2:4-7 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; 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.
The Shepherds
Luke 2:8-14 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.
The Wise Men
Matthew 2:1,2; 9-11 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. After they spoke with the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.
Those are facts of history; now how should we then live? Think about priorities for our time. Most adults are shocked each year by how quickly time passes and almost suddenly Christmas is here.
Traditions
Just think about your whole Christmas “Traditions” list. The tree, the lights, special foods and Christmas Caroling. For some, the holiday tradition includes giving of time and efforts, with a servant’s heart, visiting those in nursing homes or helping comfort and feed the homeless.
One of the traditions that I appreciated each year was the annual motorcycle “Toy Run”. Each year there are several hundred motorcyclists who gather for a ride through town with their bikes filled with toys and gifts for the children in our area. Having served as a Chaplain, it afforded me many opportunities to remind folks of the real meaning for Christ’s coming.
Christmas is gifts
For many the focus is mainly about the gifts. Some even center their gift giving around the fact that the greatest gift was God’s only son and the salvation that it offers to all. And that should really be toward the top of our priorities. Please invest significant time in God’s word looking very closely at the gift of His Son.
John 3:16,17 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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Reason for the Season
Jesus really is the ‘reason for the season’ so Christmas is Christ. And Christmas is a personal celebration!
Your Christmas should be just that…YOUR Christmas, personal, private time, alone with Him. When all is said and done, all the STUFF of Christmas is “wood, hay and stubble”. While on this earth, we are responsible to God alone for what we do and say. And when we see Christ, it will just be us and God. We are not accountable for what others do. As you go about your day today and future days, remember that Christ is coming very soon. Now, let’s celebrate.
This week’s Scripture:
Luke 2:4-14; Matthew 2:1,2; 9-11 and John 3:16-17
See this week’s playlist
