This morning I want to talk to you about celebrating Christmas. Not so much running around like crazy on Black Friday, or trying to find a parking spot at the mall, or decorating the outside of your house, or even buying presents for everyone. I want to talk about the meaning of Christmas, the true meaning of Christmas and not what it has become. Yes we may get extra days off work, yes we may get a bonus at work, yes we get to spend time with family and friends. And as Christians we know why we celebrate Christmas, but we are sometimes guilty at times of getting caught up in all the hustle and bustle and forgetting the true meaning of Christmas.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about. His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 1:18
We all know how the story goes and a little baby boy is born in Bethlehem who is celebrated as the Messiah and becomes our Lord and Savior. Unfortunately, in today's world that simple fact becomes over shadowed by the commercialism of the holiday and that little baby boy is sometimes forgotten. There are even some in the media and in this world who try and dismiss the holiday all together because no one actually knows the true birthday of Jesus Christ. The bible tells us how and where this miracle takes place, but not the date. It also tells us that the star in the sky led the kings to Bethlehem where they found He was born. We don't need to dwell on the date, but more so the fact that Jesus Christ was born and we celebrate his birth.
On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Matthew 2:11
In today's society it has even become politically incorrect to say Merry Christmas, as it may offend those that do not believe in Christ, who are not Christians, who do not believe there is a God. Forgive me if I am wrong or out of line here, but how many of those same people take the extra time of work, take the bonus checks, celebrate the holiday for the perks? I am sure there are some that are set in their ways and have their beliefs and do not even celebrate the season and that is their right as we each have free will. But do not tell me I can not celebrate the birth of my King by saying Merry Christmas. Do not tell me that it is more important to not offend someone than it is to celebrate the birth of my Lord and Savior.
And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11
Each of us have been given free will by our Father in Heaven. We have been given the ability to choose for ourselves whether or not to worship Him and his Son, Christ Jesus. Those of us who know the truth and have been saved need to continue to celebrate this day, the birth of our Lord and Savior and not allow it to be forgotten for what it means. Surely there will be those who will continue to believe otherwise and all we can do is pray for them and allow God to change their hearts and minds. There will be those who will be offended by the words Merry Christmas, but that is what we are celebrating, that is what the holiday represents; we are celebrating the birth of Christ. And I will continue to say Merry Christmas as will my family as will Christians around the world who know the true meaning of this day.
Merry Christmas.
As I speak a blessing over each of you this morning, always remember, I am here for you if you ever need to talk or get something off your chest or if you need prayer for yourselves, your family or your friends. Please do not hesitate to contact me.
May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Dear Father God, thank you for blessing us with this day and loving us as Your children. Watch over each and every one of us as we start each day, as we go through this week, keeping us in the palm of Your hand. Guide us in our daily lives, directing us on the path You have planned for us, bringing forth the dreams you have planted in each of our hearts. For we know who we are and whose we are, children of the most high God. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
"Keep your Faith strong, your Hope alive and your Prayers never ending."
God Bless
Pastor Mark
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