A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE
Christmas! A time for reflection, a time of rebirth as we join in celebrating the birth of Jesus. Let us all remember exactly what Christmas is about. Let us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Although Christmas is not the actually birth date of our Lord, it is the day which has been set aside to celebrate that wondrous event.
What a marvellous night that must have been so long ago. Imagine the surprise and delight the shepherds must have felt when they beheld the splendour of angels announcing the birth of Jesus. The sky lit up with the brilliance of the star, which would lead them to the stable where this small child lay. Can you not feel the peace and love that must have encircle all who had the opportunity of seeing this miracle child of our Lord? What joy they must felt as their hearts swelled with love for this infant who was born to save mankind.
You may wonder, why is it that Jesus, the greatest man to ever walk this earth which God created was born in a stable instead of in the finest lodgings. Would you not think our Father would have provided the best provisions possible for his only son? Well, this stable, the place of Jesus birth was the perfect choice. Here the finest things in life, which our Lord had provided for his people, surrounded him. The essentials that man required in order to live. He was surrounded by animals, which provided man with food, clothing, companionship and transportation. His bed was made of sweet smelling hay, which was food for the animals. The stable made of wood from trees provided shelter for Jesus, his parents, the animals and those who came to see this amazing child of God. Not only was he surrounded by all the wonderful creations of our Lord, it was a place accessible to everyone, rich and poor alike. So, yes, our Lord chose the perfect place for the birth of Jesus.
You see it matters not whether a person begins life in humble surrounds or begins life with riches, it is what is within a person heart, which the Lord sees. If we follow in our Lords footsteps, accept the gifts he gives freely, love one another and come to those in need of aid our lives also will be greatly blessed. We may not be blessed with riches but we will have the greatest gift possible for any man, eternal life, which is what our Lord promised. And this promise started a long time ago in the city of Bethlehem with the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus.
This year as you are rushing about buying presents, worrying if you’ve missed sending a card to someone. Baking for the holidays, decorating your houses, not relaxing even for a minute. Take the time to reflect on what Christmas really signifies. Think about which is more important, ensuring your children have the presents they asked for or making sure you’ve set aside time for our Lord to thank him for the blessings received?
Christmas for our families is what we make it. If you look around the stores, listen to the radio or television all you see or hear is advertisements telling you to buy, buy, buy. Stores and manufactures push their products on the public, especially our children, enticing parents into buying what they perceive is every child’s dream toy. Our children are brainwashed into believing they have to have this toy, that they can’t live without it, that this is what all children are getting for Christmas. What a sad affair it is when our children are more interested in what they are getting for Christmas instead of learning about the birth of our Lord. Is the manufacturer the only one to blame for the commercialism, which Christmas has become? They alone are not to blame, we must all take responsibility for the manufacturer is only responding to what its’ buyers have requested. I say let’s go back to the true meaning, let’s begin to celebrate the birth of our Lord and let this miracle of his birth take precedence this holiday season.
I like to think of Christmas, as a new beginning for that is exactly what it is. With the birth of Jesus, came renewed hope for the world. His birth signified a new life for man. It did not mean that evil would disappear or wars and fighting would end. What it meant was that God loved his people so much he sent his son, Jesus to live among us and to spread the word of God. Jesus, even before his birth was to be the sacrificial lamb, the only one to walk this earth without sin. As an adult he would be crucified and take the sins of man upon himself. It is because of Jesus, we are granted eternal life and our sins forgiven. We only have to ask the Lord to walk with us and accept him into our lives and follow in his footsteps. Therefor how can we not believe that the birth of Jesus was the beginning of a new life for man? How can we fail to praise and thank our Father for this marvellous Christmas gift, which he gave us so long? The most precious and wonderful gift anyone could and will ever receive and that gift was Jesus.
If you are not Christian or believe in our Lord why not think about all the marvels our Lord has provided for us. Why not think about accepting him into your life at this time. He wants to be a part of your life and any past mistakes or sins are forgiven upon your acceptance. Why not say a prayer now, asking God to free you from your chains. Let him know you want him to be of your life now and forever. If you can not think or are not sure how to pray, just repeat the short prayer, which follows.
Father I accept your most precious gift and the many blessings you continually
bestow upon me. I am eternally grateful for your love, your forgiveness
and guidance in my life. Today I come to you with an open heart. I know
I am a sinner and thank you for forgiving me my sins. Lord; open my eyes
so I may see you. Clear my mind so it is free of frivolous thoughts and
allow me to plainly hear your voice. Father, open my heart to your love,
and teach me to love and accept others as you accept me. Lord; give me
the courage to face those who do not believe in you. Use me as your instrument
when administering to others, let the words which flow from me be your
words. Lord; show me how to walk in you footsteps always. I thank you Lord
for all you are about to do in my life. I thank you Father for believing
in me and not giving up even when it was I who turned my back on you. I
thank you for gently guiding me back to your loving arms. I ask that continue
to help me as I grow in your Word and that you never allow my faith to
waver. For this I thank and give praise to you Lord. Amen.
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