It is that time of year again, as many around the world begin to participate in the joyous activities surrounding one of the most celebrated days on earth, Christmas. As we pull out our winter clothing, hum and whistle Christmas carols, enjoy the light hearted atmosphere in our homes and work places, engage with people who seem a little bit more friendlier, endure the hustle and bustle of the crowds of people in the malls, participate in church services, rehearsal for Christmas programs, and cantatas, etc., let us not forget the real reason we celebrate the Christmas season.
It may seem by our extended gift lists and never ending meal planning that these are the highlights of our celebration, but in actuality Jesus is the real reason for our exuberant celebration. He is the True Gift. So we celebrate Him. Jesus is the Son of God, the Only begotten of the Father (Luke 1:35; John 1:14, 49), sent as Emmanuel, God with us (Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:23), to deliver us, through His death and resurrection (John 3:16, John 11:25). Jesus, Son of Man (John 5:27) fully human, yet affirmed in His deity as the I Am (John 8:58, Exodus 3:14), the True God (1 John 5:20). He is the Light of the world (John 8:12) and shone the light of truth on the world, through His works, work, and suffering; causing punishment of sin to be eradicated in the lives of those who receive Him as Savior and Lord. Jesus is the Word of God (Revelation 19:12-13), the Word of Life (1 John 1:1) who provides life through His Word and eternal life of joy and fulfillment through His sacrifice. Jesus, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and end of all things; the One who was and is and is to come (Revelation 1:8).
Jesus, our Lord and Savior who came to give us life and that life more abundantly, as we experience Him (John 10:10). He is our salvation and our celebration, the Chief Cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20), the Head of the Church (Ephesians 1:22; 4:15; 5:23), a fountain of holiness for His people, who by His death He made holy and pure before God (Hebrews 10:10). Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16), Lord of All (Acts 10:36). God has given Him all authority and dominion over all the earth (Matthew 28:18).
Jesus is The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), who reconciled us back to God, the Father. He is the Gift that keeps on giving. He is our Deliverer (Romans 11:26), who delivered and continues to delivers us from sin. Our Good Shepherd, who laid down His life for His sheep (us). He is the Resurrection and Life (John 11:25). We are because HE IS. Jesus, is the great Cause we celebrate this holiday season and every day.
Have you given your life to Jesus? God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, whosoever believes in him shall have everlasting life (John 3:16). God sent His Son to die for our sin. God knows that we sin and falls short of His God’s glory (Romans 3:23). However, if we confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus Christ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved and have eternal life (Romans 10:9-10). What a way to celebrate one of the most important holidays of the year and every day!
Prayer and Reflection: Father, in the Name of Jesus, I come thanking You for sending Jesus, the Light of the World, to shine His light into my dark heart. Thank you for salvation through Christ Jesus. With exuberant joy, I celebrate Him today and every day. Amen.