The story of Christmas is one that is visited year after year by generations and generations and is celebrated in over 160 countries around the world. It is a story that has been told countless times by countless number of people. Even fictional characters such as Linus from Charlie Brown have taken part in telling of the story as he read from Luke 2 stating:
“1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; because he was of the house and lineage of David: 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”
There they were–Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus lying in manger, angels singing, shepherds coming to worship, etc. I wonder though have you stopped and considered that in all the wonderous details that God has given to us in His Holy Word that all of this was done for you? From the beginning of John chapter one all the way to Matthew chapter two, the Bible offers to us an amazing perspective of how deep the events of Christ’s coming to earth came to be.
As we celebrate His coming this month, we would be wise to remember that in God’s goodness in giving His Son, He gave Him to us. May we not miss the purpose of His coming was so that we could partake in the unmerited gift of eternal life. That is the greatest gift we could ever receive. If you have never trusted Christ as your savior, I implore you to not allow another day to pass without your having God’s perfect gift in your life. The coming of Jesus to this earth was for you. Believe that God loved you so much that He gave His only begotten Son to live a sinless, perfect life here, and for Him to die a cruel death on the cross of Calvary paying the debt of sin for you. As He was buried in death, after spending three days and three nights in the grave, He gloriously resurrected and was seen and testified by over 500 individuals that they saw the resurrected savior in person. Why was all this done? It was done for you! So that you can receive the greatest gift that has ever been given–the gift of eternal life. The best and truest way for you to have a merry Christmas is for you to accept God’s gift of Jesus that was given for you.
Pastor Aaron Smith