2021 .... Christmas

[IceWizard]

It is the time of yer we mus all give thanks to God who sent his Son for us to be saved from these earthly
ties. Without Him, we are doomed to an eternity of hell and damnation...
All Glory To God the Father and Jesus Christ our Savior



What Is the True Meaning of Christmas?






Christmas truly is one of the most wonderful times of the year. For many, there are warm parties,
cozy homes, fond traditions to celebrate, and gifts to be shared. It’s a joyous time of celebration.
However, sometimes we get lost in the season and forget the reason we celebrate it, to begin with.
Among the hustle and bustle, our focus is lost and priorities are misaligned.

Most people can tell you the origins of Christmas—that it’s a remembrance of the birth of Christ.
But either that’s the extent of their knowledge or they lose sight of this in the busyness of the holiday.
Why do we truly celebrate Christmas? Not Santa Claus, or the Christmas tree, or any other of the various
traditions wrapped up into Christmas. Why do we celebrate this occasion—what is its true meaning?


The Birth of Jesus and Meaning of Christmas


“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end, on the throne of David and
over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness from this time
forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of
hosts will do this.” 
-Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)



For thousands of years mankind waited for the coming of Christ; they longed for their King to arrive and free
them from oppression. The Old Testament is full of prophecies, including this one from Isaiah 9. The Bible is
full of Scripture pointing directly to the One who would save mankind from their sins. When Isaiah described
His coming, he described His coming as an infant. But this child would grow and establish a Kingdom of
righteousness forevermore. When we celebrate Christmas, we are celebrating the moment in history when
prophecy was fulfilled. God came to be with us.


Celebrating Christmas and Salvation in Jesus


Because when Jesus came, he also left us with the gift of salvation. His birth is significant because of His death.
For thirty-three years Jesus lived a life free from sin so that He could be the perfect sacrificial lamb for the atonement
of our sins. On Calvary, Christ paid the price and overcame death so that we could have victory over sin and condemnation.
So, when that precious baby was born and placed in the manger, it wasn’t just another birth. It was the beginning of
God’s redemptive plan for humanity. An act He didn’t have to take part in but He chose to out of love.


“In your relationships with one another, have the same
mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used
to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by
taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human
likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he
humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even
death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest
place and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven
and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue
acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of
God the Father.”
Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV)



True Meaning for Celebrating Christmas

This very act of humility and his choice to die on the cross is cause for bowed knees and lifted hands. I know the
busyness of the season can cause time to fly and before we know it, the holiday has passed and we have forgotten
to celebrate why we are celebrating it in the first place. But don’t get sidetracked—get perspective. Choose reverence
and give honor where honor is due.

Take time this holiday season to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by glorifying the One who gave it all. A child
was born in humble circumstances and his sacrificial death reflected the same, however, both were significant for humanity.
Without the death of Christ, salvation isn’t possible. So without His birth, neither is it possible. Jesus coming to Earth that
night changed everything and it’s a moment we should celebrate with all our hearts.

Certainly, enjoy the parties and food and gifts, but don’t forget to point your heart, family, and those around you to
Christmas' true meaning:
Christ came with a plan for our redemption.



Bible Verses about the Meaning of Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
~ Isaiah 9:6

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but
have eternal life.
~ John 3:16

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,
and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son
from the Father, full of grace and truth.
~ John 1:14

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of lights with whom there
is no variation or shadow due to change.
~ James 1:17

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. Because Joseph her husband was
faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to
public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But
after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared
to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be
afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived
in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son,
and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save
his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the
Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and
give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”
(which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what
the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home
as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she
gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.
~ Matthew 1:18-25



Prayers for Christmas
New Birth and Freedom in Christ

Almighty God,
grant that the new birth
of your Son in the flesh
redeems us from the old slavery
under the yoke of sin,
so we may receive him with joy
as our Redeemer,
and that when when he comes to judge
we may see Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
forever and ever.
Amen


Christmas Day Prayer

O Lord Jesus Christ,
true God from true God,
you became a little child for us so the world you made would be saved.
Just as a child is born to us and a Son is given to us,
may we be born again through you
and always remain in the number
of God’s faithful children;
through your merits, O blessed Savior,
with the Father and the Holy Spirit
you live and reign,
one God,
now and forever.
Amen.













No matter where you are , never forget that He gave his all for
each one of us. He did not have to, He wanted to save our
eternal souls from fire and torment.

It is the most high gift we could ever receive and all
He asks in return is to love Him, honor Him and obey
His laws. I believe that for all He has given us, that is one small
price to pay on our part.

Praise God our Redeemer and our Salvation, for evermore