1. What Christmas Is All About
2. The Questions Of Christmas
3. Christmas Time Is Here, Happiness And Cheer
4. Christmas Fun With Our Grandchildren
5. Snowflakes In The Air
6. Christmas Carols Everywhere
7. Joyful Christmas Memories
8. Christmas Spirit
9. Christmas Is A Time To Go To Church
10. Christmas Is A Time To Read The Christmas Story
11. Christmas Is A Time Of Love
12. Christmas Is A Time Of Memories of Christmases Past
13. Christmas Is A Time For Giving
14. Christmas Is A Time Of Answered Prayer
15. Christmas Brings Light To A Dark World
16. Christmas Brings Saving Mercy And Grace To A Lost Soul
17. Christmas Is A Time For Wrapping Gifts
18. Christmas Time Brings Tidings Of Great Joy
19. Happiness Is…
20. Christmas Is A Blessing
21. Christmas Is, By Betty
22. “Christmas Is”, By Michael
23. Christmas Is Still Christmas
24. Christmas Is A Time To Share
25. Merry Christmas
26. Joy To The World
27. Praise The Lord, My Soul
28. I Like Christmas To Last A Little Longer
1. What Christmas Is All About
I don’t read these words, “Christmas Time Is Here”, but I sing them, with memories of the Peanuts characters skating on the ice. My favorite Christmas cartoon is the original Peanuts cartoon where Charlie Brown asks, “Isn’t there anyone, who can tell me, what Christmas is all about?” Linus steps on stage and recites from Luke 2 and says, “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” Let’s look into the scriptures and find what Christmas is all about.
“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:8-14)
2. The Questions Of Christmas
It is really hard to choose just one verse for a Christmas theme. I searched through the first two chapters of Matthew and Luke and found many wonderful verses. But when you really think about it, isn’t the whole Bible about the story of Christ? From the fall of Adam in the Garden of Eden, through God’s covenant with Abraham and David, and prophets of the ages like Isaiah, we read of the promise of “The Prince of Peace”. (Isaiah 9:6) So I began looking at the questions of a good story. “Who?” – “…thou shalt call his name JESUS” (Matthew 1:21) “What?” – “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) “When?” – “…when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman…” (Galatians 4:4) “Where?” – “…the city of David, which is called Bethlehem…” (Luke 2:4) But the one that has me stumped is the “Why?”. One of my favorite verses is Psalm 8:4, “What is man, that thou are mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?” I believe the Christmas story because I believe the Bible, “For with God nothing shall be impossible.” (Luke 1:37) But I cannot understand why God loved me so much He would send His Son to be born in a stable, to suffer and die for me. Enjoy your Christmas season. Remember “Who? What? When? and Where?” and be ever so thankful for the “Why?”.
3. Christmas Time Is Here, Happiness And Cheer
"Christmas Time Is Here" was written by Lee Mendelson and Vince Guaraldi for “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, which first aired in 1965. “Christmas time is here, Happiness and cheer…” Hearing the song brings me happiness and cheer, along with the childhood memories. I often play it in December when I put up my tree, or bake Christmas cookies. I have many Snoopy toys and several of them play a portion of the song. Christmas, the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, should bring us happiness and cheer. Just as the angel proclaimed, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11) Some are struggling to find the joy which the angels promised. They may be entering the Christmas season with the loss of a loved one. Some are having trouble providing for their families and they don’t know how they can afford to give gifts. There are those who love Christmas so much that they overextend themselves concerning time and money. Others have such expectations at Christmas time, they feel let down when it is over. All of these things can rob us of our joy. How can we keep the happiness and cheer alive in our hearts when we have these real life issues? We need to keep our focus on “Who” we are celebrating. The Babe in a manger… the Lamb of God… Jesus, who knows our heart and understands all about us. Keep Christ in your Christmas. Don’t let the troubles you are facing take away your joy. Four years ago Michael was in rehab following heart surgery and I told him that it was a hard Christmas Day. He said it was the best Christmas Day, because God had given him new life. If you start feeling overwhelmed by all the things of the season, look to Jesus, and thank Him for giving you new life, ‘cause that’s just what He did in coming that first Christmas Day.
4. Christmas Fun With Our Grandchildren
The next lines of the song not only bring back Christmas memories of my childhood, but also tell of the joy we share with our grandchildren.
“Christmas time is here
Happiness and cheer,
Fun for all that children call,
Their favorite time of the year.”
We have been able to spend a lot of time with all of our grandchildren during the last two weeks. I made Advent Calendars using 3 ounce cups and glued on circle lids for all 13 of our grandchildren and I look forward to hearing them tell about their tiny treasures. It was a joy to see two of our grandchildren sing with the children at church Sunday. Allison told me that Maggie wants to spend a day cooking Christmas goodies, maybe with some of the others, and that’s always fun! Decorating the tree, playing with my Snoopy toys, and hanging Christmas stockings, there are so many ways our children and their families bring us joy. And actually, whether it’s getting ready for Christmas, or watching them play ball, or washing the car with the water hose in the summer, or walking through the garden looking for fresh veggies, all the times that I spend with my grandchildren are my favorite times! (If you don’t have children or grandchildren in your family at this time, maybe there is a young family that you are close to, that would enjoy sharing Christmas with you.) “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.” (Psalm 127:3)
5. Snowflakes In The Air
How appropriate that the next line in the song is, “Snowflakes in the air.” Sunday, on the way to church, it was so cold that our grandchildren started talking about snow. I told them that the weather forecast said it might snow Monday night, and they were really excited. Monday evening I started struggling with my breathing, just as I often do when the weather changes. I could tell that the air pressure was changing and I thought the snow was surely coming. I used my inhaler and was breathing easier by bedtime. I woke up around 3:00 am and looked out the window to see what looked to be an inch of snow. The local weather reports said that it had not snowed in our area for almost three years. Everything looks so beautiful covered by a fresh snowfall. Snow always reminds me of two Bible verses. ”Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:7) “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18) Jesus is the only One who can wash us as white as snow. We are born into a world of sin, but when we confess our sin and believe that Jesus is the only way of salvation, He forgives us and cleanses our sin with His righteousness.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23)
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 )
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)
“9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9, 10, & 13)
6. Christmas Carols Everywhere
Let’s finish the verse we started yesterday…
“Snowflakes in the air
Carols everywhere
Olden times and ancient rhymes
Of love and dreams to share”
It was good to hear Christmas songs at church last night. Michael sang “In The Bleak Mid Winter” and I love to hear him sing that song. It was written by Christina Rossetti in 1872. I especially like the last verse…
“What can I give Him
Lowly as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb
If I were a wise man, I would know my part.
Oh, what can I give Him?
I will give my heart.”
This Christmas, while we are stressing about what to give to those around us, it would be good for us to focus on what to give to the Lord. We can give Him our love, our praise and worship, and our service. But, first of all we need to open our heart and invite Him in.
7. Joyful Christmas Memories
As we continue with the song, “Christmas Time Is Here”, we are reminded of the beautiful memories we have of Christmas.
“Sleigh bells in the air
Beauty everywhere
Yuletide by the fireside
And joyful memories there.”
When my sisters and I were very young we would wrap up in small towels and blankets and pretend to be Mary and Joseph, and the shepherds. Then we would play the part of the wise men and give our gifts to Mary (who held a small doll). We would sing “Away In A Manger” and put on our own little play for Mom and Dad. These are wonderful memories. When I became a Mom I made new Christmas memories. Some of my fondest moments were rocking my babies in the night with the tree lights glowing, while I sang softly. Now, I am making new memories with my grandchildren. I think about these things and I wonder how amazing Mary’s memories must have been. “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19) Cherish your Christmas memories. Make new memories. Keep these joyful moments in your heart.
8. Christmas Spirit
We are finishing our first week of Christmas devotions. That means that it is two and a half weeks until Christmas. I worked several weeks to make Advent Calendars for our 13 grandchildren, so I got in the Christmas spirit early this year. The last verse of our song is about the spirit of Christmas.
“Christmas time is here
We'll be drawing near
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year
Oh, that we could always see
Such spirit through the year...”
When I think of the Christmas spirit, I think of the Fruit of the Spirit. As you read these verses think about how we emphasize these Spiritual attributes more at Christmas. Let’s try to live more by the Fruit of the Spirit throughout the coming year. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
9. Christmas Is A Time To Go To Church
Look back through the years… did you go to church at Christmas? Maybe you put on your new clothes and went to church with your family. Maybe you went to a Christmas play. Maybe you had a part in a Christmas play, an angel or a shepherd. Christmas is a good time to go to church. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. There is no better to place to be, than in God’s house. We had our Christmas lunch at church on Saturday. We all had a wonderful time. There was plenty of good food and fellowship, and the kids had fun playing together. If you stopped going to church, now is a good time to start going again. If you don’t have a church home, now is the perfect time to find a church. Pray about it and ask the Lord to show you the right church to visit. Ask a dear Christian friend for a recommendation. Go to a Christmas play. God can lead you to the church that is just right for you. A biblical church can help give you a solid foundation and help you grow as a Christian. You can make new friends. If you don’t know where to go, and you live near High Point, North Carolina, we would love for you to visit Pine Grove Baptist Church, at 6308 Modlin Grove Road. “Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.” (Psalm 92:13)
10. Christmas Is A Time To Read The Christmas Story
I took several of my Snoopy Christmas things to our church Christmas lunch on Saturday for the children to play with. I always liked the Charlie Brown Christmas cartoon because Linus told what Christmas is about from Luke 2. Even as a young child I would listen closely, and in my mind, I would see if I could quote the verses along with him. When the grandchildren come and watch it, I still try to see if I remember all the verses. I enjoy reading the Christmas story from the first few chapters of Matthew and Luke. My Grandpa M. P. Beasley always read Luke 2 to us on Christmas Day. Aunts and Uncles and cousins would all be crowded into my grandparents’ small house and all the presents were under the tree. But, we could not open our present until after we ate, and after he read the Bible. I was a little impatient as a child and I wanted him to hurry through the scriptures. Now, looking back, I am so thankful for his faithfulness to read the Bible to us. I can’t go back to those days of long ago, but I can still take my Bible and read the Christmas story every Christmas.
“1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:1-14)
11. Christmas Is A Time Of Love
Jesus came the first Christmas so long ago because of His great love! He came to be born in a stable, to be the Lamb of God, the sacrifice for all mankind. He is God, come down to earth to be a man, to bridge the gap of sin that separates God from man. He came as a tiny Babe lying in a manger, but He is coming again as the King of kings, and Lord of lords. All because of love. Christmas is a time of love. And we need to share the love of God even more than ever during the Christmas season. We need to show more love to our Savior, and we can do that by showing more love to others. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” (I John 4:7-11)
12. Christmas Is A Time Of Memories of Christmases Past
When we hung the photo ornaments on the tree it brought back memories of when the grandchildren were much younger. Those are sweet memories. When we gather with family it will bring back more memories. Some will be painful. Christmas always brings back memories of my Dad. Even though he has been in heaven over 20 years, Thanksgiving was his favorite time of year and he is missed more during this season. For some, this is the first Christmas they have after losing someone close, and they don’t feel much like celebrating. I know that we are supposed to focus on the good memories, instead of dwell on the loss, but just saying it, doesn’t make it easier to do. Some will be saddened to be with loved ones who don’t remember… they don’t remember Christmases past, they don’t remember close family members, and they may not remember you. I like to see the Facebook memories come up. On December 10th I was reminded, even though I didn’t need the post to remind me, that 4 years ago Michael was in surgery 12 hours for his heart. Those memories bring thankfulness to my God for bringing him through. It was a hard time, but God heard and answered prayers, and Michael is still with me today. As you gather with family and friends this Christmas season remember that the memories of Christmas past are real. And even the sweet memories sometimes bring some loneliness. Be kind. And if you don’t understand how and why someone lets memories of the past bring tears, then be thankful that it hasn’t happened to you. One of my most memorable verses is Psalms 137:1, “By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion.” Many memories bring tears.
13. Christmas Is A Time For Giving
People often ask children, “What are you getting for Christmas?” When I was young, that’s what I thought about when it was close to Christmas. At some point in my life, I stopped thinking about what I wanted to get for Christmas, and focused more on what I could give for Christmas. Even when we don’t have much money, we can give our love, our time, our attention, there is more to giving, than expensive presents. I enjoy giving and I try to find gifts that will be special for each person on my list. I have been buying for our 13 grandchildren for a while and because I couldn’t remember who still needs a gift, we got out the bags from hiding and spread it all on the bed. Some things seemed to be missing… until I looked back at the calendar and realized that some of the gifts I bought had been given for recent birthdays. So, we still have some shopping to do for these special people in my life. When we say that Christmas is a time for giving, we must look back to the first Christmas gift. Jesus was God’s gift to the world so that we could be saved. Have you received God’s gift of salvation? Please put your trust in Jesus and ask Him to forgive your sin and save you. It’s the best gift you will ever receive.
“4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” (Ephesians 2:4-8)
14. Christmas Is A Time Of Answered Prayer
I was talking to my daughter on the phone the other day and she said she wanted to tell me something good that happened to her. She was getting groceries with her children and a lady handed her some money, “Because it’s Christmas.” I told her that I was glad she told me that because a few days earlier I was in the grocery store and there was a young mother with a baby in a seat, in the buggy, behind me and the Lord told me to hand her $20. I gave her a Christmas tract and the money and told her that the Lord told me to give it to her. She told me, “Thank you”, several times. As I handed her the money I prayed that the Lord would speak to her through the gospel message in the tract, and that He would let someone hand my daughter some money to be able to get more groceries during this time when food is high, and money is tight. I was hesitant to tell this story because I don’t want it to sound like I am bragging about anything I did. My purpose in sharing the story is to praise my wonderful Lord for answering prayer. The lady gave my daughter $40 which was more than I had given. And since the Lord showed me that He answered my prayer so quickly, I believe that He also answered my prayer about the young mother reading the gospel tract. I am praying that she will believe the message and ask the Lord to save her. If the Lord speaks to your heart and asks you to help someone along the way, don’t hesitate to follow the Lord. It is wonderful that we pray for people, but we are also God’s vessels that He uses to fulfill His will. “I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” (Psalm 116:1-2)
15. Christmas Brings Light To A Dark World
In the winter it gets dark early. But, the darker skies make the Christmas lights shine brighter. When we were growing up we counted Christmas lights when we went somewhere. Two looked out the right side of the car and two looked out the left side, and we counted out loud the number of shining Christmas trees in windows, or yards that had Christmas lights in the trees. I don’t know if children still count Christmas lights, but it was a big thing to be the one to see the most lights. Christmas brings light to a dark world. The world seems to be getting darker in sin, and we need to let the Light of Christ shine brighter in our lives. We have talked about the Christmas story in Matthew, and the Christmas story in Luke, and today we are looking at the Christmas story in John. John actually goes back all the way to the beginning of time to tell of Christ. He presents Jesus as the Word and the Light of the world. He gives us the Word of Jesus to tell us that Jesus is the Light of the world. “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) “I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.” (John 12:46) As you look around and see the beautiful Christmas lights, let them remind you of the Light of the Lord who came at Christmas.
“1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 The same was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” (John 1:1-14)
16. Christmas Brings Saving Mercy And Grace To A Lost Soul
We can talk about all the good things of Christmas, but the most important part of Christmas is the coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ. One day I was thinking about Jesus coming to save me. It became a strong reality to my heart and mind that if Jesus had not come to pay the punishment for my sin, by giving me mercy, I would have to pay the awful penalty throughout eternity. I would be afraid to live, and afraid to die, in fear of eternal suffering. And I also realized that if Jesus had not given me grace and the gift of salvation, I would not be able to spend eternity in heaven. I have no goodness within myself to deserve salvation. I don’t have the wealth to buy my way to heaven, for all that I have belongs to God. And I can’t work enough to go to heaven. Jesus came from heaven to be born in a stable, and to live perfect and holy, to be the sacrifice offered for lost sinners. That’s Christmas. That’s my Savior. I am not afraid to live, and I am not afraid to die because I asked the Lord to forgive me and save me, and He did. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
17. Christmas Is A Time For Wrapping Gifts
As Pastor Rick Byerly was preaching Sunday, he pointed out something that I don’t know if I had ever thought of before. His message was on “The Unwanted Gift”. His text was II Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” God’s gift to everyone who will believe, is unwanted by the world. He is unrecognized by the world. The world is uninterested in the Savior. But, this gift is unparalleled. He is God’s unspeakable gift! He read, “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7) Mary wrapped God’s gift and laid Him in a manger. As you are wrapping your gifts this Christmas, think about the Babe in a manger, God’s gift to you, who was wrapped in swaddling clothes. It wasn’t much to be wrapped in, but the gift is what’s important. And God’s gift of salvation is the most important gift you will ever receive.
18. Christmas Time Brings Tidings Of Great Joy
I like Christmas cards. Several years ago we started putting a mailbox at the entrance of the church at Christmas Time. People can write their Christmas cards to one another and leave them at the mailbox. We sort them and deliver them before our church services. I enjoy opening the cards and reading the special messages in them. I also enjoy getting Christmas cards from friends that I don’t see very often. This is a special way to receive tidings of joy. The angels brought the first Christmas tidings of great joy to the shepherds. I am glad we have this way of sharing our Christmas joy! “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”
“8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-11)
19. Happiness Is…
Years ago my grandchildren gave me the book, “Happiness Is A Warm Blanket, Charlie Brown” by Charles M. Schulz. Many of the pages have wide open spaces around the colorful pictures and words. In 2013, I wrote, “Happiness Is…” on the top of the first page, just inside the cover. I asked our family and visiting friends to write what happiness was to them. Parents asked the little ones what made them happy and filled in the words for them. Each year I tried to remember to ask them to write down sources of their happiness as we turned to another page. I found the book when I was getting our Christmas decorations out of the closet. It is wonderful to look back at things that gave them happiness. It is fun to see how their writing has improved with time. Some of the answers have changed through the past 11 years, and some of the answers seem to stay much the same, year to year. God and family are seen on most pages. I missed the last two years, but I found my colored pens, and I hope to get them to write again this year. I have been writing about Christmas during the month of December. I would love to read what Christmas means to some of you. Begin, “Christmas Is…” and send me a message. You can email, text, or post on Facebook. I would love to share some of your answers with my readers. I have shared what Christmas is to me. What is Christmas to you?
20. Christmas Is A Blessing
A blessing in so many ways. First and foremost is that God would send His only begotten Son to this sinful world, just so that he could “right, that which was wrong” so that we can come to him in faith. He could have just as easily left us in our sinful state, but His love for us, couldn’t allow us to remain in that state, and gives us that choice to choose His Son.
A blessing to have family and friends to love and share in the good and not so good in our life.
Beverly, I do thank God for you and for sending me to your page years ago. Thank you for these daily devotions.
Merry Christmas,
Sally
21. Christmas Is, by Betty
Christmas is Jesus coming to earth to live and die for us.
Christmas is all about family and seeing them again.
Christmas is about memories of sweet family members who have gone to Glory.
Betty
(This is Michael, filling in for my wife Beverly on her Devotions page. Please pray for her as she struggles with her pulse rate, which is fluctuating from very low to very high.)
22. “Christmas is…” by Michael
Christmas is the story of God’s redemption of man. As much as we love the story of the nativity, it is not a pleasant one. No one in Bethlehem would give a place to a woman who was nine months pregnant. So her Son had to be born in a stable, or perhaps even a cave, and laid in a manger. It does not really matter how much you know about that story. In fact, you can throw out the shepherds, the angels, the wise men. You can forget about the star and the stable. It is only important that you know one thing: the identity of that baby. To paraphrase J.I. Packer, the baby in that manger was God. And the baby in that manger was God made man. The God who created everything, the God who keeps this world spinning through space, the God who sustains all life on this planet—that same God became flesh. He was not 50 percent God and 50 percent man. He was 100 percent God, and 100 percent man. That God lived a human life, and so He knows and understands everything that we go through in life. That God died on the cross, taking our sins upon Himself. I hope you know the identity of that baby, and have accepted what He did on Calvary for you. That is the only thing that matters in your life…
23. Christmas Is Still Christmas
I didn’t get to help the children make treat bags Friday night. And I won’t be at church today to see the happy faces as they are given out. I’m not there to hear Pastor Byerly’s sermon or the beautiful Christmas songs, but Christmas is still Christmas. I went into AFIB last Wednesday and I tried to get my heart back into rhythm on my on, because I didn’t want to go to the hospital and miss Christmas. But, here I am. As I was trying to go to sleep last night with the lights and sounds of the machines, I was praying for the worship service today and the Lord told me, “Christmas is still Christmas.” It doesn’t matter where I am, Christmas is still Christmas! I thought back to the very first Christmas and how many people through the years couldn’t be where they wanted to be at Christmas, but it was still Christmas! God’s love is eternal, and the gift of Jesus is everlasting, and In the hearts of His children, Christmas will always be Christmas. I desire your prayers.
24. Christmas Is A Time To Share
I believe that God has a purpose for everything that happens in our lives. I came home from the hospital in time for Christmas. I am still in AFIB so I am spending Christmas Eve and Christmas at home, where I am glad to be. I came home with a renewed outlook on Christmas. I am thankful for the time I spent in the hospital because God let me meet some lovely people. I met workers who were also spending their Christmas time in the hospital, trying to make the best of it for those who had to be there… like me. As they followed their routines, I thought about them and the Christmas gatherings they were missing. I asked them about their plans. We shared stories of our families. There was one dear nurse who was far away from home, without family, and I listened to stories of the customs of her country. It seemed to take her back to the great times she had growing up and the people she left behind. Her face brightened as she talked about her next trip back home. I gave out a few Christmas tracts and invited some to visit our church. Some of the people I met knew the Lord Jesus and we talked about the goodness of God, and there was closeness, that old friends share. I will probably never see those people again on this earth, but I will meet some of them again in heaven, and that makes those few days in the hospital so special to my heart. They were giving themselves, and it helped me through a difficult time. God opened up conversations that allowed me share a little Christmas joy with them, as they went about their work. I am thankful that God allowed me to share Christmas with some wonderful people. I pray that God will always use me for His glory.
The angels shared some joyful Christmas tidings to the shepherds. “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
The shepherds shared the news of the Savior with everyone they met. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.” (Luke 2:17-18)
The wise men shared their gifts with the Christ Child. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)
Most of all, God shared His precious Son with you and me! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
Let’s share the joy of Jesus this Christmas.
25. Merry Christmas!
If you can’t say “Merry Christmas!” with full assurance in your heart that you know Jesus came on the first Christmas to give His life to die and pay the penalty for your sin… if you have never asked Jesus to forgive you and save you… if you are not living your life to glorify God, then please don’t let another day pass without believing in Jesus Christ as the only Way of salvation. Ask Jesus to forgive you of your sin and trust in Him. Please trust in Jesus today. Then you can tell everyone you know, “Merry Christmas!” from your heart and soul.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
26. Joy To The World
Jesus came as a Babe in a manger to be our Savior. The next time He is coming to be our King! “Joy To The World” was written by Isaac Watts in 1719. “And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelations 19:16)
Joy To The World
1. Joy to the world; the Lord is come;
Let Earth receive her King;
Let ev'ry heart prepare him room,
And heav'n and nature sing.
2. Joy to the Earth, the Savior reigns;
Our mortal songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.
3. No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.
4. He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of his righteousness,
And wonders of his love.
27. Praise The Lord, My Soul
I enjoy working puzzles from time to time. When I left the hospital I was told to take it easy, so I’ve tried to work on a couple jigsaw puzzles. They were ones I had done before and I couldn’t get interested in them, so I stopped without getting very far. When David and Danielle came to see us this week they gave me a new puzzle for Christmas. It has the words, “Praise the Lord, my Soul”. I worked on the words first, and I kept singing, “Bless the Lord, O bless the Lord, O bless His Holy name. Let us not forget all His benefits, or the reason that He came…” As we close out this year, let’s praise His holy name. Even through the struggles we have faced this year, we have been so blessed with His benefits. I love the Lord and I want to praise Him, today and always! “<<A Psalm of David.>> Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:” (Psalm 103:1-2)
28. I Like Christmas To Last A Little Longer
A month ago friends were sharing photos online of their Christmas decorations. Now, many are taking everything back down, packing it away in boxes, to be stored for another year. Have you taken down your tree? Are you ready to turn off the bright lights of Christmas? I like to leave my Christmas things out a little longer. I like the reminders that I see in the Nativities on the mantle. I enjoy the Christmas songs that play with the touch of a button. I enjoy Christmas and it takes a while before I am ready to put it all away. As we put away the manger scene pieces, let’s keep Jesus in our hearts and keep the Spirit of Christmas with us all year. When we take the lights down to put them away, let’s not forget to let the Light of the Lord shine in our lives and be a light to others. Let’s try to keep the love, and peace, and joy of Christmas a little longer. The last words of the Lord recorded in the book of Matthew are, “… lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20) Our Lord doesn’t leave us when Christmas is over. Let’s walk with Him all through the year!
Christmas Time Is Here
