Monday’s post challenged readers to ponder, “When Was Jesus Born?” Wednesday’s and Thursday’s posts explained why God chose Mary and Joseph as part of His divine plan. If you missed it, you can catch up on your reading HERE, HERE, and HERE.
Many responded how they enjoyed reading and learning the truth surrounding Jesus’ birth. Many agreed that it really doesn’t matter “WHEN” Jesus was born…we all agree that it’s important “THAT” He was born.
The reality of Christmas is not about Santa Claus, Elves, Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer, or shopping. The reality of Christmas is Jesus Christ and that He came to model what an abundant life consists of.
Here’s the reality of Christmas:
YOU MATTER TO GOD!
God knows everything about you and He STILL loves you. He knows the good you do, as well as the bad and the ugly. And guess what? He still loves you because that’s all that He can do! His essence is love so everything that comes from Him is with love. Isn’t it great to discover that YOU MATTER TO GOD?
Also…
YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT!
It doesn’t matter what the circumstances of your birth were…you ARE NOT an accident. I repeat: “YOU ARE NOT AN ACCIDENT.” God has a plan and a purpose for your life. Meaning and satisfaction come when I discover God’s purpose for my life. Here’s what I was created for…and it feels great.
So, what is Christmas really about? Why should I shake the spirit of depression, frustration, and loneliness? Why should I resist the urge to shut out loved ones and friends?
Here’s why…
Christmas is a TIME TO RENEW MY FAITH.
“… I bring you the most joyful news ever announced, and it is for everyone!” Luke 2:10 (Living Bible)
God wants you to know Him as much as He knows you. Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10b). God knows everything about you. You just don’t know Him. He wants you to know Him so He sent Jesus Christ so you could know what He’s like.
If God wanted to relate to birds, He would have become a bird. If God had wanted to communicate to cows, He would have become a cow. If He wanted to communicate to dogs, He would have become a dog. But God wanted to relate to you and to me, so He became like us – a human being.
Lastly, Christmas is a TIME TO RECEIVE FORGIVENESS.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born for you; he is Christ the Lord!” Luke 2:11
It doesn’t say that God sent us a salesman because we didn’t need a product.
He didn’t send us a politician, because we didn’t need diplomacy.
He didn’t send us a soldier, because we didn’t need a war fought.
He didn’t send a scientist because we didn’t need information.
He sent us a Savior, because you need a Savior and I do too. If you didn’t need a Savior, God wouldn’t have wasted time sending one. God sent a Savior so we could receive forgiveness.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:16-17
