Christmas Not Just A Holiday
Sunday December 11, 2016
Why do we celebrate Christmas? Why not just settle for a winter holiday of Santa and snow and parties and gifts? We celebrate Christmas because it reminds us that God allowed His son to come to earth to fulfill His plan of salvation for sinful, suffering, and broken human beings. Jesus willingly came to earth to reconcile us to God through His death and resurrection. Jesus set aside all the rights and privileges of His Heavenly status to live in human form as an obedient servant to the living God.
Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 NLT)
Our desire is to live as persons of integrity within our families, in our work relationships and in our friendships, but often we fail to do so. However, if we obey God’s Word, as recorded in the Bible, God will give us guidance and direction in all we say and do. Our relationships will benefit as we follow God’s ways. The birth of Jesus truly was the dawn of redeeming grace for all of us. As the slogan reminds us, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” We celebrate Christmas to remember God’s amazing gifts of forgiveness, comfort, acceptance, and tenderness.
GOD made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him. When I got my act together, he gave me a fresh start. Now I’m alert to GOD’s ways; I don’t take God for granted. Every day I review the ways he works; I try not to miss a trick. I feel put back together, and I’m watching my step. GOD rewrote the text of my life when I opened the book of my heart to his eyes. (Psalm 18:20-24 MSG) Heavenly Father, We admit that there is no lasting joy, no secure peace, no real hope for enduring relationships when we try to live life without Jesus. We give thanks for Jesus’ birth which is truly the ultimate reason for our celebration of this Christmas Season.
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