Focus on the real meaning!
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Introduction
I know there are a lot of mixed reactions about the celebration of Christmas. Some say it is a pagan holiday and Christians should not be celebrating Christmas. For some, it is about shopping for and exchanging Christmas gifts. For some, it is about using the opportunity to travel and for some it is about coming together with friends and family and consuming a lot of food and drinks.
Despite the above, the real meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ. We do not know the exact time and period that Jesus Christ was born but we know that he was born and so we set aside this day to honour and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The birth of Jesus Christ
The birth of Jesus Christ plays a significant role in Christianity. In Isaiah 7:14, His birth was predicted from about seven hundred years before his birth. “Therefore, the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
Then the birth of Jesus Christ was fulfilled in the New Testament. An angel came to Joseph in a dream in Matthew 1:20-21 and said “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name, Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
The birth of Jesus Christ was planned by God because he knew people would sin and we would need a Saviour. Because of the birth of Jesus Christ, we have an opportunity to be saved and see God. Therefore, let us be grateful and thankful for Christmas.
Don’t let your Christmas message become just a cliché.
Every year on Christmas Day, we send Christmas messages to our friends and families. Leaders send nice messages to their employees and clients. Politicians also send greetings to their constituency. Pastors preach about the birth of Jesus.
Whatever message you send, don’t let your message just become a cliché. There is nothing wrong with sending messages but let us use this opportunity to focus on the real meaning.
Conclusion
The birth of Jesus Christ demonstrates an act of love, concern, giving and caring. Let us use this time to thank God for the birth of Jesus Christ. If you have not committed to the Lord yet today is a good day to do so for, we do not know what tomorrow will bring.
Some of you may not be able to go on a trip or have money to purchase gifts or even be able to purchase groceries for a big meal. It is ok if you cannot do these things, but you can celebrate the birth of Jesus, and this does not cost you anything. The birth of Jesus Christ deserves celebration,
With that said, I want to thank God for the birth of Jesus Christ and to wish each of you a Merry Christmas.