It’s that time again.
That time when smiles are aplenty. That time when everyone, whether family, acquaintance, or stranger seems more friendly. That time when acts of charity rises. That time when little one’s hearts can hardly wait to tear open gifts to see what their prize is.
It’s Christmas once again.
How in awe I am to see how this season impacts so many hearts and minds, how it seems to soften, how it seems to soothe, how it seems to sew us together, if only for a time.
Christmas for me, used to be, the waiting, the anticipating of what Santa Claus had for me. I heard that he was making a list and checking it twice, all to find out whether I had been naughty, or nice.
Christmas for me, used to be based on whether I got what I wanted or not.
Christmas for me, used to be simply—about me.
But then I grew up, became an adult, got married, became a father, then Christmas for me was about family. Christmas for me was about seeing my wife, and children happy. Christmas for me was about the trees and lights, the gifts, the music, and all the fleshly delights.
But then I grew to know HIM—Jesus Christ, my Savior, my Lord, my life. And oh, how Christmas has changed for me.
Yes, I still enjoy the lights and the trees, the music and the good mood, the family and delicious food.
But that old Bible story that I had heard of old in the Gospel of Luke chapter 2 got a hold of me.
4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Christ is Wonderful. Christmas is a wonderful time to reflect on HIS coming to save us.
How wonderful that Heaven came to earth. God became as man, clothed in the likeness of sinful flesh, yet without sin, arriving by way of a virgin birth. If HE had not come, then HE couldn’t have died to save us. Marvel at God’s great power and might; wonder at HIS understanding and compassion; behold what great loving lengths HE undertook to make a way for you and me to have everlasting life.
How wonderful that the Father used man as a part of HIS grand plan as stewards to carry out HIS holy will. HE can take a man made lame by sin, heal him, fill him, and use him as a tool in HIS divine hands. Let HIM use you, as Joseph and Mary submitted themselves to HIM. Make room for HIM in your life. Come humbly unto HIM, bowing in worship, pleading, ‘What will THOU have me to do? Lord, here am I, send me.’
How wonderful the GOoD News the angel of the Lord brought. Fear not. All hope is not lost. Fear not being a slave to sin. Fear not a cold grave. Fear not the devil, death, nor hell. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this. Rejoice for the Lord has looked past your fault and saw your need. And your need is HIM. Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.
How wonderful the angelic praise. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. And if the angels can praise HIM, why not you and I? Praise HIM for HIS mighty acts for us. Praise HIM for HIS excellent greatness before us. Praise HIM for HE is God all by HIMSELF, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First, and the Last. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Tell of HIS goodness to you. Tell of the victories and deliverance HE wrought for and in you. Tell it to the coming generation that they may seek the Lord right early. Those that seek HIM early and earnestly, FIND HIM. Praise HIM with your lips, but back it up by praising HIM with your lifestyle of obedience and submission to HIS truth and Spirit.
How wonderful to have peace with God through a right relationship with Jesus Christ. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for me because I have this peace. HIS peace exceeds what I have gained, outweighs what I have lost, and far excels my sin’s great cost. I am saved, sanctified, satisfied, and forever sealed in HIM. I have Jesus and Jesus has me. Christmas is about Christ, God’s perfect gift to all humanity, for all time. The babe in the manger grew up, took our place on the cross, and died that we might live.
If you don’t know HIM in the pardon of your sin, today is a good day to receive the gift of everlasting life. Repent, turn from your sin. If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised HIM from the dead, you will be saved.
Be saved today. And may the Spirit light your lamp that you too may see that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. There’ll be much love a’flowing and hearts will be glowing, when loved ones are near. It’s the most wonderful time of the year…
Larry D. Reed, Sr…
