And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." 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 among those with whom he is pleased!'" (Luke 2:10-14, ESV)
I can't believe but it's Christmas already! The hustle and bustle of the season is happening all around us. There are plans to make, family to see, cards to send and presents to buy. We sing about it being the happiest time of year but sometimes it just feels like the busiest time of year. Christmas can be exhausting, especially if it's only about buying gifts and putting up lights. It can be especially exhausting if it's just all about family. Now don't get me wrong. Giving and receiving gifts is a good thing. Spending time with family is a very good thing. It's important for us to make time for our families and to learn to be generous. I'm for it, it's just not all that Christmas is about.
Christmas is really all about Jesus. It's the time of year that we set aside to celebrate the birth of our Savior. Christmas is a time to remember that the infinite God of this universe loves each of us so much that He sent His Son to be born as one of us, in order that He may then offer His life in place of ours, paying the price of our sin, so that we can be a part of God's family through faith in Him.
When we exchange gifts, we do it for God's glory, to remember the gift that He has given us. The most priceless and precious gift anyone has, or could, ever receive -- Jesus Himself. When we spend time with family, we give God glory by celebrating the fact that through Christ we have the right to become sons and daughters of God.
In the midst of the hustle and bustle of this busy season, be sure to take time to remember what, who, it's all about. Be generous in your giving because God has been generous to you. Love your family because God has made it possible for you to be part of His. Sing songs in praise of the One who was born and died for you. Gather with your friends, your family and your church family to worship, to celebrate through Christmas programs, to serve, to give and to receive all the blessings that God has for you this Christmas season. Celebrate Christmas this year for the glory go God.
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
May God richly bless you and yours,
Pastor Paul Bryant
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Editor's note: Paul Bryant is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Garfield. He can be contacted by email at [email protected]
Religion on 12/02/2015