Through the years, it’s sad to say, my Christmas celebratory group has grown smaller. However, my expansion of understanding the true meaning of Christmas has been a blessing. Don’t get me wrong, all the partying and gifts are a welcome part of this year’s celebration. It’s more that over the years I’ve grown in Christ, studying and believing more of what Jesus, our Gift from God, means to me.
What a blessing to spend this holiday with those I love…my husband, pregnant daughter, son-in-law, their 8 month old daughter, and family in-laws. As much as I’d like, it doesn’t always happen this way.
Holidays past included a wider family unit. But you know what happens; over the years circumstances change. Beloved members pass, some move out of state, and others…we loose touch with for various reasons.
From a young age I thought I knew what Christmas was about…going to church, carols, trying to be good. Those things are nice, but they aren’t why Christ was born under that shining star in Bethlehem. Those things are works – good works – but still simply works.
The truth is God’s gift of His only son, born of a virgin by the Holy Ghost, was sent to us for one reason. Jesus came as the Savior of the world! This fact was told to Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, by an angel of the Lord in a dream.
Matthew 1:21 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.”
In Jesus’ own words during His three year ministry Jesus confirmed this truth.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Immediately upon believing this truth one receives the gift of Jesus–salvation. Because of this truth I am a member of Christ’s family. I believe Jesus “came to seek and to save the lost.” Yes, I was once lost, but now my gift from God through Jesus is my sin is forgiven and forgotten for all eternity. No matter how large or small my earthly family may be, I know my heavenly Father is enough, more than enough, to take care of all my needs–He is my deliverer who will never leave me nor forsake me.
Timothy, the apostle Paul’s protege and pastor of the church in Ephesus had this to say about Jesus the Christ:
1 Timothy 1:15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.
It’s hard to understand this devoted follower of Christ would consider himself such a sinner. (But when we use Christ as the measuring stick we all fall short of His glory.) Paul, once he received the gift from God–Jesus–he then spent the remainder of his life doing all he could, traveling on foot and by ship sharing the gift of Jesus with others. That’s what believers are called to do…share this precious gift of Jesus with others.
I fully believe I am saved only through Jesus. It was this beloved baby born in a manger who, thirty-three years later, took all sin with Him to the Cross. When Jesus did this He fulfilled God’s gift, the gift of redemption.
What an eternal gift God gave us!
If you are not part of Christ’s family it’s a perfect season right now to invite Him into your life. Jesus asks for nothing in return, only that you simply believe in the true meaning of Christmas.
ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?
Have you invited Jesus into your heart? Now is the perfect time. Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com. Through Jesus you will receive hope that He alone offers.
“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”
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