Well, here we are. Christmas is just around the corner! How have your preparations gone? I hope you achieved what you set out to do. I'm nearly there.
It's always a rush at this time of the year. Whether it's getting as up to date as possible with your job, buying presents, or getting the food ready for Christmas (not that I do much to get the food prepared for Christmas - my skills are more in the washing up department), it gets hectic. In addition, there are a host of events to attend - the school nativity, Carol Services, and lots of other Christmas-related events.
Do you ever ask yourself why we go to all the bother?
For one excellent reason, Christmas is special. It's unique because you get time to sit down (maybe not if you are the cook in your house), you spend time with your friends and family (the latter can be a problem depending on how well you get on with your family), you give and receive presents, and the food is good (hopefully!). But what is the real reason that makes the season so special? Excuse the corny rhyme, but 'what is the reason for the season'?
The answer is THE LORD JESUS.
The clue is in the word Christmas - it's the CHRIST part that is important. This is the Lord Jesus' official title. The title 'Christ' means 'the anointed one'. For generations, the Jewish people talked about the promised one as the Messiah. He is the one all the ancient prophets in Israel had spoken about when they announced God's promise that He would send His Son into the world one day. The prophet Isaiah said, 700 years before Jesus was born, 'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace', Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6.
When Jesus' disciples realized who Jesus was, they were thrilled. John records Philip as saying, 'We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph,' John chapter 1 verse 45.
Yes, Jesus is the promised one. His birth was predicted, as was His death. But, unlike us, he came with the express purpose of dying. We are born to live, but Jesus was born to die. The bible explicitly states that 'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'. He knew this was His primary reason for coming as He is recorded as saying, 'The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly,' John chapter 10 verse 10.
So, let me end with a personal question – do you really get it? Do you understand the reason for the season? Have you ever benefitted from what Jesus did? You can: if you turn from your sin, repent, and trust Him to save you. The Lord Jesus still invites people to trust Him. His invitation couldn't be more straightforward - 'Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,' Matthew 11:28
I wish you a very happy festive season and trust that this Christmas be a really special one for you.
No comments
Post a Comment