Words Of Christmas
1. Words Of The First Christmas
As we enter our Christmas season there are some words that naturally come to mind... Jesus, manger, shepherds, angels, star... and the list could go on and on. I want to look at some of those words and even others that speak to our hearts, like, love, joy, peace, and hope. I pray that we can be encouraged as we look in God's Word at some of the promises which were all made possible by the coming of His Son that first Christmas.
2. Emmanuel
As we begin our look at the Words of Christmas I want to start with, "Emmanuel". This is the whole idea of Christmas, "God with us." "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:23) When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, it changed the course of mankind. Sin had to be paid for and a sacrifice had to be made. "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14) God loved us so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die for our sins. That's what Christmas is all about!
3. Believe
I bought a pack of Christmas cards that say, "Believe in the Miracle of Christmas." Sounds like a line from a Hallmark movie, doesn't it? But our belief in Christmas is not the same as the world's belief in Christmas. It is not about finding a lost love, or saving a shop from a big conglomerate, or working to save some old traditions of Christmas. Our belief in the miracle of Christmas is the miracle that God sent His only begotten Son, to give Himself as a sacrifice to pay for our sin. "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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
Martha believed,
"25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." (John 11:25-27)
But not all believe. "King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:27-28)
Do you believe? "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. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16 & 18)
4. Peace
My hair started falling out after I had Covid. It is getting worse, and today a handfull of hair lay at the drain after my shower. I believe the stress from Covid started it, but the stress from the trials of life continue. It is hard when our loved ones die. It is hard to try to comfort my sister as she continues to visit her daughter in the hospital (after being hit by the truck). I write Christmas Cards, wishing my family and friends the love, joy, and peace of Christmas, and all the while I am seeking God's peace. As I brush the hair off my shirt, I think about Matthew 10:30, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered." These verses tell me that God sees every hair that falls, and He cares. But, more than that, it tells me that He knows the stress and anguish behind it all, and He cares. God sees the sparrows that fall, and He cares... and He sees me, and He cares.
"29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)
5. Hope
I dreamed I was decorating for Christmas and I had a large round sign that was beautifully decorated, similar to a wreath on the outer edge, and in the center it said, "HOPE". I placed it way up high on the wall and as I stepped back to see, one side fell. So, it was hanging down on one side, and I awoke feeling like that was me. I tried to lift my hope up high above my problems, but it wavered. I am not at the place of those without Christ, "having no hope", as in Ephesians 2:12. But, sometimes my faith is weak and I forget that my hope is in the Lord. Here are some verses that remind us of the glorious hope we have in the Lord! Don't lose hope, child of God, a better day is coming!
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." (Titus 2:13-14)
"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:" (Colossians 1:27)
"Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;" (Hebrews 6:19)
"21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
24 The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
25 The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.
26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD." (Lamentations 3:11-26)
"1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Romans 5:1-5)
"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." (Romans 15:13)
6. JOY
A sweet family gave me a handmade Christmas ornament with the word, "JOY". When I was learning to type I was taught that typing in all caps means you are shouting. Well, our JOY in the Lord is worth shouting about! I believe the angels shouted, or sang, as they proclaimed the "good tidings of great joy" 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) David tells us to "shout for joy," "Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." (Psalm 32:11) Peter tells us to "rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:" (I Peter 1:8) Jesus tells us to "rejoice, because your names are written in heaven." The Lord gives me joy in so many ways, especially at Christmas. I started making a mental list of things that give me joy during Christmas and realized that many deserve their own Christmas Word in these devotionals, and I hope to mention some of them later. Maybe you are missing someone who brought you joy, or you are suffering from sickness, or some other loss and you can't find your Christmas joy. Talk to the Lord. Ask Him to restore your joy, as David did in Psalm 51:12. It might help you to make a list of things that bring you joy and maybe focus on one or two. Call a friend... reaching out to others may help you, and them.
1. Knowing Jesus came to save me and one day He will call me to the home He is preparing for me in heaven, brings me great joy!
2. Reading my Bible, especially when the Lord highlights a phrase or verse in a special way and I can write it in my study notebook.
3. Making ornaments for Michael's students and for our church family.
4. Baking with family, or baking for family and friends... baking my old seasonal favorites, (like the M & M Cookies and Chex Mix on my table today), or trying something new... baking brings me joy!
5. With all the baking, comes dirty dishes, but I even have joy in watching the squirrels and birds in the back yard as I wash up the dishes.
6. Listening to Christmas music brings me joy (as I wash the dishes).
7. Giving. Whether it's giving my time or my talents to help others, or the small gifts under the tree... giving gives me joy.
8. Looking at the Christmas tree lights shining in the darkness, after a long day, gives a most relaxing joy.
9. Family and friends bring me joy. We have several with Covid and I am praying for their speedy recovery so that we can celebrate our Lord's birth together.
10. Putting together a Christmas jigsaw puzzle helps me slow down my rushed pace and gives me joy.
11. Writing these devotionals, meditating on God's Word, and sharing the good news brings me joy.
12. Being thankful for Michael's healing and for God's mercy and grace in giving us another year together is a daily joy.
7. Jesus
Many years ago someone gave me a pin that said, "Jesus is the reason for the season." This was a popular saying at that time and I wore it often during the Christmas season. I agree that this is true, but as I have grown older, and hopefully wiser, it is clear to me that Jesus is the reason for so much more than the season. As I mentioned earlier, Jesus is the reason for my peace. As bad as the world is today I don't know how people can live or sleep without the peace of God in their lives. Even when there is no peace around us, God gives His children peace deep down inside. Jesus is the reason for my hope and joy. Jesus is the reason I can get up in the mornings and serve Him each day. Jesus is the reason for the love we have one towards another. Jesus is the reason for any good we see in a world filled with confusion. Jesus is the reason I don't have to live in fear of the future. Jesus is the reason I go to church and worship. Jesus is the reason we will lay this old body down one day and get a new resurrected body. Jesus is the reason I know without a doubt that I am saved and on the winning side! Do you know Jesus? He is so much more than a Baby in a manger. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21)
"9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11)
8. Luke 2
I often say, "This is one of my favorite verses", and there are so many. Well, the second chapter of Luke is probably my favorite chapter. Every year I can remember that my Grandpa Beasley would read part of Luke 2 on Christmas Day when all the family was gathered in their small living room. We wrote and performed several Christmas plays for church and the story of the birth of Jesus was the central theme. I watched "Charlie Brown Christmas" and saw Linus recite a portion of the chapter to let Charlie Brown know, "That's what Christmas is all about." That is the reason behind my collection of Peanuts decorations, books and toys. I have a whole tub of Snoopy toys that the grandchildren like to play hide and seek with. No matter how busy we are during this time of year, we should always take time to read this great chapter. Read it to your children and to your grandchildren. Make it a special part of your Christmas tradition.
"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.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:1-16)
9. Carols
I enjoy listening to Christmas carols and songs. Sunday Michael sang, "In The Bleak Mid Winter" at church. This song was based on a poem by Christini Rosetti, published under the title, "A Christmas Carol" in 1872. My favorite part of this song is the last verse. "Oh, what can I give Him? I will give my heart." Have you given your heart to Jesus? "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. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
"In The Bleak Mid-Winter"
In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, softly,
Snow on snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Oh, so long ago.
Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor the earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
For the Lord Almighty,
Jesus Christ.
Oh, what can I give Him,
Empty as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Oh, what I can I give Him?
I will give my heart.
10. Bells
Several years ago I researched the stories behind some of our old Christmas hymns and carols. I used the information to write a Christmas play and our church really enjoyed it. Many of the songs came out of great hardships, and such is the case with "I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day." Our Christmas Word today is, "Bells", and here is the sad story...
"“I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” was written by one of America’s best known poets, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Civil War began in 1861 and tragedy also struck his home in July of that year when his wife was melting sealing wax with a candle and caught her dress on fire. Longfellow tried to smother the flames with a small rug in the room, but Fanny Longfellow died the next morning, leaving him behind with five children. Due to his burns, he was unable to attend her funeral and was still grief stricken at Christmas when he wrote, “How inexpressibly sad are all holidays.” A year after her death he wrote, “I can make no record of these days. Better leave them wrapped in silence. Perhaps someday God will give me peace.” His journal entry for December 25th of 1862 reads, “A merry Christmas’ say the children, but that is no more for me.” His son Charles was severely wounded in the Civil War almost a year later and his journal was indeed wrapped in silence. On Christmas Day, in 1864, still months away from the end of the Civil War, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow penned these words to “Christmas Bells”. Listen as he proclaims, “God is not dead; nor doth he sleep! The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!”
"Christmas Bells"
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
11. Gifts
I love giving gifts at Christmas. I enjoy shopping, and trying to find the perfect gift for the ones I love. With such a large family we don't have the means to give as much as we would like, but we really enjoy giving what we can. We have been buying a little along since last summer and hiding it away, until yesterday when I pulled it out and started wrapping. I usually don't get the presents wrapped until the day before, or the day that I am giving them, so this year I am ahead. This gives me joy, and more time to do some of the other things that I enjoy.
The main gift I wanted to talk about today was the greatest gift ever given. God gave His precious Son that first Christmas day. You may know this familiar verse... "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) This gift was given to all who believe and receive it. We can say with the Apostle Paul, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." (II Corinthians 9:15) There is nothing we can do to deserve this precious gift, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:" (Ephesians 2:8) Jesus is the Good Shepherd who left His home in heaven to come and give His life for me and you. Because of His great love we can have eternal life, and that's a promise!
"27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)
12. Prophecy
I usually finish reading through the Bible sometime in November. Then I read some in the gospels during December and follow the life of Jesus from birth to the cross and resurrection. When we study the life of Christ we find so many prophecies that were fulfilled. "And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." (Matthew 1:21-23) "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14) "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." (Micah 5:2) There were many prophecies fulfilled when Jesus came to earth so long ago.
This year was different. My eyes were so blurred during Covid I couldn't read, so my Bible reading was stalled for a while. This December I am reading the book of Revelation. And instead of reading of the prophecies fulfilled when Jesus came the first time, I am reading of the prophecies that will take place when He comes again. God has shed a new light on the book of Revelation for me because I am looking at these prophecies that are still to come. And just as Christ fulfilled all the foretold scriptures in God's Word, we can be sure that all the unfulfilled verses in the last book of the Bible will surely come to pass. Jesus came as a Baby and was laid in a manger. He will come again as the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords! Praise the Lord!
13. Shepherds
The shepherds on the hillside had to be brave as they watched over their flocks to protect them from wolves and maybe also from thieves. Possibly they had encountered bears or lions as the great shepherd David had in days of old. But, even these brave men were not prepared for the salutation of the angels from on high. They quickly overcame their fears and said, "Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." (Luke 2:15) How quickly do we face our fears, or better yet, put our faith in God, and go when the Spirit of the Lord bids us to go?
Another thought... Why did God choose to let the shepherds be the first to welcome the newborn Baby in the manger? Was it because we are the lost sheep, needing a Good Shepherd? Maybe it was because the shepherds were seeking the Savior, with humbleness of heart, meek and lowly. It could be that God was preparing for the day when His precious Son would become the Lamb and give His life for the sheep. Whatever the reason, we can be glad for the story of the shepherds. It tells us that we don't have to have riches or positions of honor to come to the Savior. We come to Him in meekness, confessing our sins and believing that He is the only way to receive eternal life. Then, we can go just as the shepherds did and tell everyone we meet that we have found the Lord. "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 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 2:16-18)
14. Lists
When we talk about Christmas, some of us think of writing Christmas Lists. It may be a gift list, a guest list, if you are preparing for a meal or party for your friends, or even a grocery list. I have finished shopping and even wrapped my presents. Usually I am wrapping them as we get ready to go out the door, so I am ahead this year. But, I only made a mental list so I hope I haven't forgotten anyone. I will probably sit down one evening and write out a list to check and make sure I have included everyone. We try to get our errands done on the same day, so I often list the places we need to go so we can get to them in order of location. There may also be those who make a list of everything they want to do over the holidays. A calendar is helpful so that events are spaced out and don't overlap. When sending Christmas cards, you need a mailing list. If you are in charge of the Christmas play you may make a list of all the costumes you need. I often make cleaning lists. If we are expecting visitors I make a list of all that I want to get done so I can keep focused and get it done quickly. If I am planning my spring cleaning I make a long term list and try to do a little each day. My life is easier with a list, whether it's written, typed, or mental. And it gives me great satisfaction checking things off a list. Lists. They are helpful, especially during busy times. Does the Bible have lists? It sure does.
For my Christmas Bible List I would choose Galatians 5:22-23. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." The Spirit of Christmas begins with the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, and peace, and what is Christmas without faith and goodness? Micah 6:8 gives us a list of God's requirements, "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" You can look at Proverbs 6:16-19 to see the list of things that God hates. Learning the order of the books of the Bible helps when you are looking for certain verses. If you want to live the Christian life then the first thing on your list is to accept Christ as your Lord and Savior. Jesus is the only way to heaven and eternal life! Asking Him to save you should be at the top of your list of priorities in life!
15. Worship
Being the Sunday before Christmas I thought a good word for today would be, "Worship". There are many ways we can worship our Lord and Savior. The Wise Men followed the star to worship the newborn King. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2) They worshipped and gave gifts to the Christ child. "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 2:11) I believe Mary worshipped in song, "And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:46-47) The angels worshipped in praise, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." (Luke 2:13-14) The shepherds worshipped and told others. "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child... And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." (Luke 2:16,17 & 20) Anna worshipped with thanksgiving. "And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem." (Luke 2:38) And Simeon worshipped with prophecy. In what ways will you worship your Lord today?
"28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,
29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,
31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;
32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:28-32)
16. Innkeeper
Our Christmas word for today is not found in the Bible, but it is a character in many of our Christmas plays. We are talking about the innkeeper. We don’t know anything about him. All we know is that he did not have room for Mary and Joseph. Everyone of the house and lineage of David had come to Bethlehem to be taxed. The inn was full. Our Savior was born in a stable and laid in a manger. From the highest heavens to the lowest degree on earth, He came to us. How many today don’t have room for Him? How many have let people and things crowd their lives so much that they don’t have room for Christ? Make sure this Christmas season that you have room in your heart and life for the Savior. Don’t be like the innkeeper and turn Him away. “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)
17. Lights
Do kids today count Christmas lights when they ride in the car? When I was small my sisters and I would look out the windows to see who could see the most Christmas lights. Christmas trees in windows, or a few strands of lights in someone's yard, were so beautiful to us in those simpler days. Lights are still a wonderful part of my Christmas decorations. I have fond memories of rocking my babies with just the light of the tree, as I sang "Silent Night" or some other beloved Christmas carol. It is no wonder we have lights to help celebrate the birth of our Lord. God created light at the dawn of creation. "And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." (Genesis 1:3-4) In the fulness of time God sent His Son, to be 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) The lights of Christmas are a beautiful reminder that God gave us the Light, and we don't have to walk in the darkness!
18. Children
I think Christmas is so much more fun when there are children around. Sunday night we visited Plainview Baptist Church and watched our grandchildren, Jedidiah and Elsa, in their Christmas play. After church they came to our house to open gifts and stockings. And on Monday I spent time with Maggie and Cerenity making sugar cookies. I let them help mix, roll the dough, and cut them out. After they were done I made thin icing and let them mix different colors and paint them. Then we also opened gifts and stockings. Some years we invite families with children over to make decorations and ornaments. I have collected over a dozen stuffed Snoopy toys and sometimes I hide them around the house and let the grandchildren find them. Children make Christmas special. And we shouldn't be surprised because the first Christmas was all centered around a little baby. And when Jesus was going about with His ministry He took the children up in His arms and blessed them. Help give children a happy Christmas and teach them why we celebrate Christmas.
"13 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them." (Mark 10:13-16)
19. Star
The angels told the shepherds about the birth of Christ, and they went to Bethlehem to see Him and spread the good news to everyone they met. How did the Wise Men find Jesus? The star appeared to guide the Wise Men from the east to the newborn King. "Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him." (Matthew 2:1-2) They saw His star and went to Jerusalem. Then, the star "went before them" and guided them to the Christ Child. "When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy." (Matthew 2:9-10) Have you ever wondered how the Wise Men knew to look for the star? How did they know the prophecies of the Messiah? I believe that the answer lies in the book of Daniel. Daniel and his friends were carried away captive to Babylon, where they were trained in the king's palace. After Daniel interpreted the king's dream he was made ruler over all the wise men of Babylon. "Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon." (Daniel 2:48) At that time Daniel was no longer a student in the knowledge and understanding of the wise men of Babylon, but he became the teacher, "over all the wise men of Babylon." I think Daniel taught them the prophecies of the Jewish Messiah. Those teachings were passed down from generation to generation until the star appeared and the Magi traveled to worship the new King. Are we leading men to Jesus like the shepherds did? Are we shining like the light of a star, reflecting the Light of the Savior? Let's be a light for our Savior and try to lead others to Him.
20. Lord
Wednesday night Pastor Tripp asked the question, "What Does Jesus Want For Christmas?" as his sermon title. He said that Jesus wants us to accept Him as the Lamb of our life. Jesus came and was laid in a manger, the pure and spotless Lamb of God and it is His will that all would believe on Him and be saved. Jesus also wants us to accept Him as the love of our life. "We love him, because he first loved us." (I John 4:19) "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22:37) The last point of the sermon was that Jesus wants us to accept Him as Lord of our life. "Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am." (John 13:13) Let Jesus be your Lamb, your Love, and your Lord, and you will know what Christmas is all about.
"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)
21. Love
We can say, "Merry Christmas!", all because of love. We can have that peace, that the promise of everlasting life brings, all because of love. We can experience mercy and grace, all because of love, God's amazing love! "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) And because of His great love, we can love one another. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35) And because of His great promise, we know that nothing can separate us from His great love! My Christmas prayer for you is that you will know the love of God and have His peace and joy in your heart!
"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)
