The word "Christmas" itself has a major clue in the first six letters. That's right Christ. Christmas is a celebration of the day God came to earth in the likeness of mere human. I know it's sometimes hard to see the real reason behind the hype. Our society has turned this tradition into a "shopaloholics" dream.
To get the main point of Christmas though it is necessary to understand the truth about your self. You see, all humans have a sinful nature (Romans 3:23) caused by the fall all the way back in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). All sin deserves death according to Romans 6:23. Knowing our propensity to sin, God took upon himself the punishment sin required. Now, the gift of God is eternal life in Christ (Romans 6:23).
When we understand we deserve death and yet we are spared from this death, it is cause for great celebration! Christmas is meant to call our attention back to the main point of our existence to love and worship God because he has pardoned us from the punishment our sin deserves. Contemplating his self-sacrifice while we were still his enemies should draw us deeper in our relationship with Him.
The reason we give gifts at Christmas time is because God gave us the ultimate gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sins. We give gifts to remind us to think of others rather than our self. We give gifts to symbolize God's generosity towards us.
This Christmas try to keep it Christ-centered. Here's a few ways to do just that:
(1) With each card you send, pray for the person who receives it to come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.
(2) With each ornament you hang on the Christmas tree, say one thing you are thankful for.
(3) With each gift you give reflect on God's generosity towards you.
(4) Think of those less fortunate than you. Sponsor a single mom and her children this Christmas.
Jesus taught us "It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Let's remember Christmas is for all people. God so loved the world, He sent His Son (John 3:16). Now it's your turn to let God's love shine through you this Christmas.
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming in the likeness of man. Thank you for knowing our weaknesses and loving us anyway. Thank you for making it possible for us to be forgiven and to live forever with you. In your name we celebrate! Amen.
Merry Christmas everyone
Elizabeth Marks has a heart for encouraging and equipping others with God's Word.Go to www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com for daily renewal from God’s Word.
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