Merry Christmas!!

Christmas is the annual holiday celebrated by Christians on December 25 celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was born somewhere between 7 and 2 BC. Dec. 25 is most likely not the date when Christ was born, but was designated as such in the 4th century in order to substitute for pagan celebrations of the winter solstice. The term Christmas comes from a combination of “Christ” with “Mass.” Often the Greek X (Chi) is substituted for “Christ” making Xmas (as was the custom in the early church when abbreviated Christ’s name). There is no command in Scripture to celebrate this day as a holiday but Christians believe the incarnation is the foundation to salvation and, according to many, the greatest miracle in the history of man.

Incarnation is the union of the second person of the Trinity with humanity. Christ became “incarnate” in that he took on the flesh or human nature (John 1:14). The incarnation was a theological necessity for Christ to secure salvation and act as the mediator between God and man. Without the incarnation, man would be hopeless and unable to find representation that might serve as a substitute and an advocate on his behalf. In Christianity the incarnation is celebrated each year at Christmas.

Each time this year, many of us are reminded that "Jesus is the reason for the season". This little catch phrase has become a way for Christians to remind themselves of the real meaning of the lights, presents, and winter vacations that are to come. But maybe saying "Jesus is the reason for the season" and actually sitting at the feet of our Lord Jesus can be two completely different things. Maybe it's a little trite to comment on how busy we all are at this time of year because regardless of the temporary relief that little phrase may give, it never seems to lessen the burden of the busyness. I think the heart of the matter goes back to finding a moment to take a deep breath, close your eyes and think. Think about Christ. Do you love Christ? Are you close to Christ? It always boils down to Christ. His claims and the impact he left on this world force us to either take him seriously, or take him as a mad man. I prefer to take him seriously. Ultimately it doesn't matter if the Christmas tree is decorated, or if your outfit fits the way you want, or even if you got what you wanted for Christmas or not. The only thing that matters is your love for Christ. Do we have a relationship with Him that is deep? I'm NOT talking about religion here, I'm talking about a relationship. That's Christmas...kneeling down beside the ancient manager where the livestock used to feed, and decide that you too shall feed there once again, filling yourself on Christ. We may not always feel the Christmas cheer we once did in years past, because that was rooted in mystical discoveries of childhood that has long since faded away. But there is still something magnificent that longs to be captured in our hearts at Christmas time, and that is Christ Himself, the real reason for this season.
Merry Christmas!