12/01/2023
Christmas is fast approaching and I always am amazed at people’s comments on Facebook at this time. I don’t comment very often myself, but sometimes I just can’t help myself. There is so much hype about the perfect gift to get or receive. My question still remains…have we not realized that the very best gift we can receive has already been given…the Lord Jesus, free of charge, as he came to earth to pay the debt of our sin! My personal opinion is that if one is to acknowledge Christmas they would have to face the fact that they are celebrating Christ’s birth, which is identifying themselves with that truth ! The truth of what He stands for…that we are in need of a saviour and forgiveness of our sins.
Otherwise, what is actually being celebrated??
If people only want to give gifts to each other, call it what it is… “The I want to party and receive and give expensive stuff I really don’t need “ holiday. That might be a truer, less guilty way of justifying all the hype.
I, still celebrate the Saviour and what that means, and yes we give gifts to each other at Christmas, but the greatest gift I could ever have received or will ever share with anyone else, is the story/history of Christ’s birth! By believing/knowing this truth in the deepest part of my soul, I am saved for eternity… not because I am deserving, but because of Christ’s willingness to save me just because He loves me. That is a gift beyond all gifts.
There will be those who read this and laugh, or continue to try to disprove this truth, but quite frankly, I don’t really care about that. Perhaps if the energy spent on finding a reason not to believe was turned in the opposite direction, then this very story would bring hope into the hopelessness felt by so many! Perhaps the peace the neysayers are seeking would become their reality. I am so imperfect, yet God has given hope and peace to my heart to know that this is not my permanent home, and that what is to come for all those who put their trust in His Son, will experience a greater life after we leave this earthly home. THAT is why we celebrate Christmas. I am in no way better, holier, superior to any single person on this earth. I am only aware of my sin and have acknowledged and been forgiven, because I am in need of saving. I have nealt down and humbly asked God for His forgiveness. Not an easy thing to do when I know the truth about myself and I say it out loud to God. That’s it, that’s all it took and the reason I call myself a Christ follower. That’s what God asks of us…to humble ourselves before Him and seek His forgiveness for our sin! Yes, we all sin!! Now I ask the question…if we won’t humble ourselves before God, what does that mean. Are we better than others? Are we so arrogant to think we have it figured out. How is that going for you and I?
For those who have actually read this to the end… congratulations ! For the mockers out there… don’t knock it till you have tried it. For those who don’t care, oh well. For those want to try it, awesome !!
Whatever you choose…stand by it. If you don’t identify with Christ, celebrate and call it what you want. For those who do identify with Christ, keep perspective and be an example!
End of sermon!