Christmas 2013

(Luke 2:9-14 ESV) And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 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 2:9-14 ESV)

The angels in Heaven came down and sang in delight! Can you imagine the awe that must have been felt by these shepherds? When was the last time we were so in awe of what God has done for us?

Even with this mighty, angelic, proclamation, we often robotically repeat, "Merry Christmas," or even, "happy holidays." Feliz Navidad brings a chuckle to our lips. Or, how about, "Jesus is the reason for the season." Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, Isaiah prophesied:
(Isaiah 9:6 ESV) "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6 ESV)

Today, We hang lights, put up a tree, and blow up giant Santas, reindeer and snowmen. We shop for that perfect gift that is ever elusive. We scurry around like Martha, making all things right, when we should be like Mary:
(Luke 10:40-42 ESV) "But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42 ESV).

The truth is, on that night, in a barn in Bethlehem, God's plan was revealed. We have the historical advantage of knowing now that the birth of Christ would lead to our salvation.

(Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV) "He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:3-5 ESV)

As we search for the best gifts to give, let us ask ourselves are we giving the best of ourselves to God? When we say Merry Christmas, let's remember that it's not just a few weeks of lights and gifts and parties and food. Let's remember Him who was delivered to us to be the sacrifice that saves us; the blameless and spotless lamb whose blood would be shed for us; the only one that can speak for us before the Father.

God opened the door, gave us an invitation to complete forgiveness, healing, and eternal life through the birth of is Son, Christ Jesus.
(John 3:17 ESV) "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him." (John 3:17 ESV)

God delivered on His promise. He presented us with an incomparable gift, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.