Christmas - The most magical time of the year has turned into the most unfathomable Grinchy time of the year. With almost everyone locked in their respective homes because of the ongoing Covid surge. Now more than ever, we need to take this time to truly understand the real meaning of Christmas and find creative ways to bring faith, hope, peace, and joy back in our homes this holiday season.
Before we start sulking over yearly traditions broken and family members not able to visit us. Let's take a step back and understand more than family traditions and gift-giving who's birthday we are commemorating.
For unto us a child is born(his humanity and humility), unto us a son is given(his divinity and glory): and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. ~ Isaiah 9:6
Jesus is the reason for the season.
The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ as per the scriptures is a gift of salvation, the manifestation of God, destruction of devil, darkness, sin, and death. Ultimately the fulfillment of God's divine purposes, and also the perfection of the church through his son Lord Jesus Christ.
Not Santa Clause and his reindeer's, gift-exchanging or large gathering and massive feasts but the fulfillment of the scriptures prophesied in Isaiah and Mathew's gospel - that unto us a Savior and Messiah "Jesus" is born.
To the secular world, Christmas is a blindly followed tradition of merry-making and gift-exchanging. Many have even removed Christ from Christmas and greet one another, 'Happy Xmas' or 'Happy Holidays' to be unbiased to the non-Christian community.
Opportunity to share the true gospel of Jesus
We as Christian believers need to use this opportunity to share the true gospel and do good to someone in need instead of just pleasing ourselves or our near and dear ones. We need to boldly acknowledge the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ along with the right message of hope, peace, and love.
Spending Quality Time Daily With the Lord
Let's start by building an intimate spiritual relationship with the Lord Jesus by reading the scriptures, meditating on the word of God, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform and empower us daily.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, let us not forget that the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ is given to us as a free gift and that he came to save and forgive us from our sins so that we may live in his kingdom forever.
Humble Yourself and Only Praise God
When we acknowledge, thank, and praise God for everything in our lives and consider it as his mercies towards us supernatural things begin to happen. Praising God states that we are weak and He is strong and it helps us make room in our hearts for God's will to be done.
Gospel Verses to Ponder
Whether we decorate the Christmas tree and the house and are busy in the kitchen baking and cooking this season, let's ponder on few gospel verses surrounding the message of Jesus's birth and his mission:
Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness then all these things shall be added unto you. ~ Matthew 6:33
I had recently shared a post talking about My Uplifting Morning Routine With Jesus - My Wonderful Counselor. Do check it out.
https://www.sharonjeffgeorge.com/post/my-uplifting-morning-routine-with-jesus-my-wonderful-counselor
Another central message that Jesus preached is
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. ~ Mark 1:14-15
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
Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. ~ Romans 12:10
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift - Jesus Christ! ~ 2 Corinthians 9:15
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
God's Love is so Wonderful
God's love manifests in us when we learn to give freely without feeling any discomfort. Amid all the frolicking and merry-making may we not forget the real purpose of Christmas and God’s love towards his people especially the poor and the less fortunate.
The plan and purpose of God will reach others when we serve them with loving-kindness, joy, and life. For even the Son of Man (i.e. Jesus Christ) did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Conclusion
Jesus is the way, the life, and the truth. He is our only true hope. Jesus came to save the sinner, heal the broken-spirited, destroy the enemy's works, and to set his kingdom of peace and joy on earth where hostility, turbulence, and division rule.
But the enemy wants to destroy and kill mankind by instilling in us fear, restlessness, the lust of both the flesh as well as of material gains, riches, power, and earthly positions.
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