Christmas

The meaning of Christmas according to the dictionary is “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth, held on December 25 in the Western Church.”

I would like to focus on two words for a few minutes here. Christ’s Birth. Why was Christ born? That’s one thing the dictionary will not say. Let’s dive in on that thought for a second. Why was Jesus Christ Born? The answer is in the Bible. Specifically, Hebrews 2:9-18:

⁹ But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

¹⁰ For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. ¹¹ For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, ¹² saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

¹³ And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

¹⁴ Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵ and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. ¹⁶ For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. ¹⁷ Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. ¹⁸ For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Let’s break that up into a few sections.

Why was Christ born?

To die, to suffer, to sanctify, to conquer Satan.

Christ came to die so we wouldn’t have to suffer the death that we deserve. He came to defeat Satan for us. And to sanctify us. That goes for everyone on this earth. We all are sinners. No one is perfect. We all goof up more than once a day. And He came to die for those sins so we wouldn’t have to. But we have to have a relationship with Him. Have faith in Him. Truly believe He did that for us. I’m a sinner, I fall short every day, yet He has forgiven me. Of course, I have to repent. Salvation in Christ isn’t free because He died for us. He gave His life for something He didn’t even do. WOW!! Can you imagine that? Seriously!? I can’t. It’s like going to jail for something you haven’t done. Yet, it’s even bigger than that. He died so that you might live through Him.

This year, let me challenge you: think about why Christ was born; what He came to do for us as sinners. Maybe even talk about it with your family or friends during your time together over the next few weeks. As a follower of Christ, I am blessed and thankful for Christ’s death on the cross. I don’t deserve such a great act of love!

Highlights of Christmas Time with the Family

First and foremost, I am blessed to have the family that I do. I love the Christmas season. I must say the one thing I miss here in SoCal is the snow. It would be so amazing to have a white Christmas. It reminds me a lot of my childhood growing up in Holland. Over the years, as I have grown older, I have come to realize that gifts are of lesser importance and quality time with family is so much more. The memories made with them last a lifetime; while gifts could last only a few years…or less. Of course, I do enjoy the giving and receiving of gifts.

Last but not least, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!