In Luke 2:1-20 we are given the story of the first Christmas—Jesus coming to earth and being born in a stable in Bethlehem. This same Jesus, after living a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for the sins of the world. The band of angels who came to proclaim the birth of Jesus said, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)
For just a minute let’s take the word Christmas and change it to read like this: “CHRIST—MUST”. If we then break down Luke 2:14 into three parts, we can see three ways that “CHRIST—MUST” make a difference in our lives as Christians.
1. “Glory to God in the highest….” We can give all glory to God only if we can see ourselves as sinners and Christ as our only hope. When we accept his payment for our sins, CHRIST—MUST change our lives.“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (II Corinthians 5:17)
2. “….and on earth peace….” With salvation CHRIST—MUST give us perfect peace. “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)
3. “….good will toward men…” CHRIST—MUST give us a love for people, especially other Christians. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
So, this Christmas if we are to have (1) different lives, (2) a peaceful heart, and (3) a love for others, CHRIST—MUST be the REASON FOR THE SEASON.
If you’ve never accepted Christ’s gift of salvation, what a wonderful Christmas present He offers you !! Merry Christmas!!
Marilyn
4 comments:
Marilyn,
What a beautiful post!! I love your thoughts and how wonderfully you tied in the meaning of the season. I tried to leave a comment when I was at work earlier today but that computer wouldn't show me the word to verify.
Blessings,
leah
Hi Marilyn,
How's the weather in Mississippi? You know, I went to a half a dozen stores this afternoon and NOT ONE ~ NOT ONE said Merry Christmas. They all said "Happy Holidays." But I always replied Merry Christmas. How heart breaking that the very holiday set aside to celebrate our Lord's birth - and the heathen want to take that away too. So sad. Merry Christmas Marilyn. Blessings ~ Cathryn
Thanks for the comments you made on KJV blog for Tuesday. You need to write a post about what you commented on if you haven't already. I thought the Reason for the Season was fitting for this day and age. It is hard to find Christmas cards or really any kind with the KJV verses in them. Seems if we Christians don't proclaim Christmas - no one else will.
Marilyn, this was so good. I'm very thankful that I stopped by your blog home today. I'm always blessed!
And, thank you, your son and family for his service to our country also. I can't imagine what he and you all went through after the IED went off in Iraq. I am praising the Lord with you and rejoicing in his healing! I'm also very sure that the brain surgeon you mail a Christmas card to is always grateful that he could be part of giving your son life... tomorrow our family will be visiting wounded soldiers at "Walter Reed Army Medical Center" to wish them a "Merry Christmas". I will remember the story you shared with me about your son.
Merry Christmas!
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