No More False Christmases: The Truth About Christmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Growing up I loved Christmas and I still do but I loved it because of different reasons. I knew Christmas is celebrated because we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. But, I also loved receiving gifts from a 'Jolly old fat man' who came down my fake chimney on Christmas eve. Then I got older and found out some distressing news that Santa Claus isn't real! Sad day... I thought for sure I was in a mid-life crisis though I was still a young lad. I also, enjoyed giving some presents while I didn't have a job or allowance my Grandma use to buy and help pick out presents for my mom for us to give to her. It always made me feel good when my mom enjoyed the presents. Christmas always brings joy to the winter season as giving to charities increases during the Christmas season.

So what exactly is Christmas about? Well, according to a LifeWay research only 37% of respondents say that Christmas is about Jesus. So many people have lost or lack the knowledge of the real meaning of Christmas. We hear it over and over that Christmas has become commercialized and that is pretty evident. With Black Friday slowly taking the spotlight from Thanksgiving each year and people getting trampled for 'super' savings it's sad to see that people are more consumed by the savings rather then the well being of the people behind them. Even though 43% believe that Christmas is about characteristics of Jesus from helping to love and peace. Though, the responses of everyone polled are characteristics that everyone should have not just during the Christmas season but everyday. After all, we are called to be Christ-like not during seasons but all the time. So what is Christmas really about??

The common and true answer is Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ; but we also must go beyond that. It's amazing that His birth was prophesied was roughly 700 years before His birth. God spoke through the Prophet Isaiah who foretold told that Jesus would be born, Immanuel. A common question and one that I have asked myself is if Isaiah said he was to be named Immanuel then why is His name Jesus. Some translations say they shall call Him Immanuel, which means God with us. It's not saying that would be His literal name but what some people will refer to Him as. We must remember Jesus has many names or as people say titles of Jesus. We must look forward further in Isaiah, two chapters later he prophesied the birth of Christ again in Isaiah 9:6, except Isaiah uses different names or 'titles'; such as Wonderful Counselor and The Mighty God.

What makes Jesus' birth the most special is that He is the only human to ever be born of virgin (Luke 1:34-35).  But, why was he born of a virgin? Well, the first reason is to fulfill the prophesy which is in Isaiah 7:14. Another reason and one of the most crucial is that if Jesus' was not conceived of a virgin that He would not be God. This is because he would be born of man and as we all know man inherits the sin nature of Adam and Eve. So in order for Jesus' to be sinless He would have to be of God. Lastly, it paints a beautiful picture of salvation. Joseph had no part of the conception, Mary simply accepted a free gift from God. These two directly relate to Ephesians 2:8-9, where we can't work for our salvation but can only accept the free gift from God by grace and through faith. (compellingtruth.org)

Let's take it a step further. We can't celebrate the birth of Christ if we don't acknowledge and celebrate why he came into this world. Just think for a moment, if Jesus died on the cross and wasn't resurrected we wouldn't be celebrating His birth. People would just see Him as man who has done great miracles and led by a great example. But, the greatest miracle is the resurrection which was the tipping point for many to believe that Jesus is truly the Messiah and God. Especially, for Thomas one of Jesus' disciples who even after hearing of the resurrection Jesus still didn't believe until he put his finger through Jesus' hand where he was nailed to the Cross.This verified to him that Jesus resurrected Himself so He could complete the will of God. And what was His will? To bring salvation to all people (John 6:38-40, 1 Timothy 2:1-4).

I'll admit it can be fun seeing a jolly old fat guy dressed up in fancy pajamas once a year. Spending time with family and friends and basking in that joyful, love, and peace feeling that comes along with the Christmas season is fantastic. But, this isn't what Christmas is all about; these are things that should be happening everyday (except of course Santa Claus).

So what is Christmas all about? The virgin birth of Christ who came into this world sinless, blameless, and perfect to take away the sins of the world and bring salvation all those who believe.

Things to think about

Give from my heart not from my pocket. “Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on."~Mark 12:44

I can say many words of wonder but if it is not wisdom from God they mean nothing. Pray for wisdom! “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

Blessings can be seen even through a bread crumb. “God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.”~Psalm 67:7

Even Jesus had wants but wanted the will of God more!  Want God’s will for my life more than desires. "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."~Luke 22:42

Christians of a 3rd world country celebrate God more than the typical American Christian because they realize everything received is a blessing from God and have faith, hope and Agape. Humble myself and live out faith. “He replied, "Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."~Matthew 17:20

How long do I have to pray til I find strength in my Lord Jesus? Until I acknowledge I can’t do anything a part from Him. "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”~John 15:5

Does my faith grow strong when I don’t see justice served? Have faith that God will bring justice. “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”~Ecclesiastes 12:14

Complacency is state of neutrality, where I don't grow in Christ. Never be complacent, I live for God! “Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.”~Luke 9:23-24

Have patience and seek God! The will of God will come to us! "think about Him in all your ways,and He will guide you on the right paths."~Proverbs 3:6

Agape (ἀγάπη)- Sacrifical Love

1 Corinthians 13

While, 1 Corinthians 13 speaks of how to Agape (Love)  people, I can’t truly apply this Agape until I earnestly apply it to God!

I should ALWAYS have patience for a prayer to be answered, he has perfect timing! ^“Love is patient..

I should ALWAYS be kind to His name! “Love is kind.”

I should NEVER envy Him! Love..” does not envy,”

I should NEVER boast a part from God!  Love..“it does not boast,”

I should NEVER be prideful, all accomplishments and blessings are from God! Love.” is not proud.”

I should ALWAYS honor Him! Love..” .. is not rude,”

I should ALWAYS be humble! Love…” is not self-seeking,”

I should NEVER retaliate but Agape in truth because God is Truth and God is Love! Love…” is not easily angered,”

I should NEVER have a short temper towards God! Love…” keeps no record of wrongs.”

I should NEVER blame God for the wrongs done to me, God is good! ” Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS protect his name! Love…” always protects,”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS trust Him! Love…”  always trusts,”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS place Faith in Him! Love..”always hopes,”

My Agape for God should ALWAYS stand out even in my darkest hour! Love…” always perseveres.”

My Agape for God should NEVER end!”  Love never ends.”(HCSB)

My Agape God should NEVER fail!”  Love never fails.”(NIV)

“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”~Matthew 22:37-39

My joy is found in Him

“Your words were found and I ate them, and Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; for I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.”~Jeremiah 15:16

I am a sinner: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”~Romans 5:8

I am burdened to a sinful nature: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.”~Romans 7:18

I am saved: ”For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of 

God;”~Ephesians 2:8

I am forgiven: "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”~Isaiah 43:25

I am clean and Hopeful: “let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;”~Hebrews 10:22-23

I am Saint: “that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints,”~Colossians 1:26

I am made from God: “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb.”~Psalm 139:13

I am blessed: “He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,”~Titus 3:5

I am a son of God: “But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father! ”Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.”~Galatians 4:4-7

I am created for Him: “Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made."~Isaiah 43:7

I am a vessel: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;”~Matthew 5:14

I am a disciple: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”~John 14:34-35

I am safe: “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. “With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.”~Psalm 91:14-16

I am loved: “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has beheld God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. ~1 John 4:9-12

 I am Spirit Filled: “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”~2 Timothy 1:14

I am gifted: “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord. There are varieties of effects, but the same God who works all things in all persons. But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”~1 Corinthians 12:4-7

I am equipped: “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”~Hebrews 4:12

I am trusted: “but just as we have been approved by God to been trusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts.”~1 Thessalonians 2:4

I am weak and strong: “And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”~2 Corinthians 12:9-13

I am served: “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”~Matthew 20:28

Living For God

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."~Mark 6:33

Do all for His glory!

            “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”~1 Corinthians 10:31

Desire God more than anything

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”~Psalm 73:25

I will fail but God is my strength

“My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”~Psalm 73:26

Humble myself daily

          “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.”~James 4:10

Express self-control in all situations

          “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”~1 Peter 4:7

Be a servant of the Lord

            “If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.”~John 12:26

Focus on the Lord, make Him the center of my life

            “He must increase, but I must decrease.”~John 3:30

Be A Friend

"Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”~John 15:13

Be Listening: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;”~James 1:19

Be Loving: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”~ 1 John 4:7-8

Be Compassionate: "You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate."
Luke 6:36 

Be Selfless: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”~Philippians 2:4

Be Generous: ”In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”~Acts 20:35

Be a Servant: “For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”~Galatians 5:13

Be Considerate:” Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.”~ 1 Corinthians 10:24

Be Merciful: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”~Luke 6:36

Be Encouraging: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”~Ephesians 4:29