The CHRIST in Christmas
The CHRIST in Christmas
It seems in years past that the concern with Christmas is that is becoming to secular; all about shopping and materialism. Now it seems that the concern is that Christmas is becoming too religious. You can hardly even say “Merry Christmas” to a retail cashier with out the fear that you might be offending them and their religious beliefs. And since when was the Christmas tree considered a religious symbol, its not and therefore should not be considered offensive.
Aside from all the confusion, the Christian Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Unlike any other baby, he was not created by a human father and mother. He had a heavenly pre-existence (John 1:1-3, 14). He is God, the Son—Creator of the universe (Philippians 2:5-11). In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing Creator came to earth in the flesh. He humbled himself to walk this earth as a man and died sinner’s death to clear us of our sins.
Why did we need Jesus Christ our savior?
By our human nature we are not good. Do you think you are a good person by God standards? And is that good enough to get you into heaven? God’s law by which he judges is the 10 Commandments. Let’s look at a few:
#2. "You shall not make for yourself any idol."
Who is God to you? Is he only a god of love and mercy who would never judge anyone and never cast anyone into Hell? If that's your god, then you're right. Your god couldn't cast anyone into Hell because he doesn't exist. He's a figment of your imagination. You've created a god in your own mind that you're more comfortable with. You may call it your "personal belief," but God calls it idolatry. It's the oldest sin in the Book, and the Bible warns that idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
#3. "You shall not take the name of God in vain."
Have you ever used God's name as a curse word? If you have used God's holy name in that manner, you are a blasphemer and the Bible says "God will not hold him guiltless who takes the name of the Lord in vain."
#6. "You shall not murder."
Jesus warned "Whoever is angry with his brother without cause, is in danger of judgment," (Matthew 5:22) and the Bible says, "He who hates his brother is a murderer," (1 John 3:15). God sees hatred in the heart to be as wicked as murder.
#7. "You shall not commit adultery."
Jesus warned,” You have heard...'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Have you ever looked at another person with lust? The Bible says that adulterers and fornicators (those who have had sex before marriage) will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
These are just a few; it easily becomes clear that we all have sinned.
The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God."
Can you see your predicament? You are guilty of sinning against God Himself, and, because you have a conscience, ("con"=with, "science"=knowledge) you have sinned "with knowledge." The Bible says His wrath abides on you, that you are an "enemy of God in your mind through wicked works."
God does not want you to perish. He is rich in mercy and compassion, and has provided a way for you to be forgiven. He has invited you to come to Him for a full pardon and receive the free gift of Eternal Life. You cannot earn it, and you do not deserve it, but God is offering it to you as proof of His love for you. No works done on this earth of trying to be a “good” person will get you anywhere. It was by his work alone.
The Bible says that the God of the Universe became a man (Jesus Christ), and suffered and died on the cross for your sins and mine so that we could be set free. Then he rose again from the dead and defeated death! It's as simple as this—we broke the Law, and Jesus paid our fine.
"God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Do you see God’s great love for you? Do you see your need for His forgiveness? Do what He commands and “Repent…that your sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19) You must turn away from sin and turn to God. Desire to have NOTHING to do with sin, and surrender your life to the One who can save you. Jesus died to set you free, and then he rose from death to be your Lord. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you will confess and forsake your sins (repent) and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, God will forgive you and you’ll pass from death to life.
If you think this does not apply to you because you don’t believe in the bible, please do not be fooled. There are truths in this world. Your personal beliefs and views of what happens after death, does not mean that that will happen. If a gallon on milk is marked $4 and I believe it is $2, the cashier, will obviously not believe my “truth.” God is the one true truth, just look at his creation and your conscience.
Today, with all your heart—turn away from sin, and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Please don’t put it off till later. You may die today and then it will be too late. You may not yet have all the answers to your questions, but better to put on the parachute first and then ask questions, then to pass through the door unprepared, grasping for the parachute when it’s too late. You can pray something like this—"Dear God, today I turn from all my sins (name them), and I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, and grant me your gift of everlasting life. Amen."
Thank you for taking time to read this.
Merry Christmas -Lisa
It seems in years past that the concern with Christmas is that is becoming to secular; all about shopping and materialism. Now it seems that the concern is that Christmas is becoming too religious. You can hardly even say “Merry Christmas” to a retail cashier with out the fear that you might be offending them and their religious beliefs. And since when was the Christmas tree considered a religious symbol, its not and therefore should not be considered offensive.
Aside from all the confusion, the Christian Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Unlike any other baby, he was not created by a human father and mother. He had a heavenly pre-existence (John 1:1-3, 14). He is God, the Son—Creator of the universe (Philippians 2:5-11). In the birth of Jesus, the eternal, all-powerful and all-knowing Creator came to earth in the flesh. He humbled himself to walk this earth as a man and died sinner’s death to clear us of our sins.
Why did we need Jesus Christ our savior?
By our human nature we are not good. Do you think you are a good person by God standards? And is that good enough to get you into heaven? God’s law by which he judges is the 10 Commandments. Let’s look at a few:
#2. "You shall not make for yourself any idol."
Who is God to you? Is he only a god of love and mercy who would never judge anyone and never cast anyone into Hell? If that's your god, then you're right. Your god couldn't cast anyone into Hell because he doesn't exist. He's a figment of your imagination. You've created a god in your own mind that you're more comfortable with. You may call it your "personal belief," but God calls it idolatry. It's the oldest sin in the Book, and the Bible warns that idolaters will not inherit the kingdom of heaven.
#3. "You shall not take the name of God in vain."
Have you ever used God's name as a curse word? If you have used God's holy name in that manner, you are a blasphemer and the Bible says "God will not hold him guiltless who takes the name of the Lord in vain."
#6. "You shall not murder."
Jesus warned "Whoever is angry with his brother without cause, is in danger of judgment," (Matthew 5:22) and the Bible says, "He who hates his brother is a murderer," (1 John 3:15). God sees hatred in the heart to be as wicked as murder.
#7. "You shall not commit adultery."
Jesus warned,” You have heard...'You shall not commit adultery.' But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Have you ever looked at another person with lust? The Bible says that adulterers and fornicators (those who have had sex before marriage) will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
These are just a few; it easily becomes clear that we all have sinned.
The Bible says, "All have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God."
Can you see your predicament? You are guilty of sinning against God Himself, and, because you have a conscience, ("con"=with, "science"=knowledge) you have sinned "with knowledge." The Bible says His wrath abides on you, that you are an "enemy of God in your mind through wicked works."
God does not want you to perish. He is rich in mercy and compassion, and has provided a way for you to be forgiven. He has invited you to come to Him for a full pardon and receive the free gift of Eternal Life. You cannot earn it, and you do not deserve it, but God is offering it to you as proof of His love for you. No works done on this earth of trying to be a “good” person will get you anywhere. It was by his work alone.
The Bible says that the God of the Universe became a man (Jesus Christ), and suffered and died on the cross for your sins and mine so that we could be set free. Then he rose again from the dead and defeated death! It's as simple as this—we broke the Law, and Jesus paid our fine.
"God demonstrated His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
Do you see God’s great love for you? Do you see your need for His forgiveness? Do what He commands and “Repent…that your sins may be wiped out and times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19) You must turn away from sin and turn to God. Desire to have NOTHING to do with sin, and surrender your life to the One who can save you. Jesus died to set you free, and then he rose from death to be your Lord. Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” If you will confess and forsake your sins (repent) and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, God will forgive you and you’ll pass from death to life.
If you think this does not apply to you because you don’t believe in the bible, please do not be fooled. There are truths in this world. Your personal beliefs and views of what happens after death, does not mean that that will happen. If a gallon on milk is marked $4 and I believe it is $2, the cashier, will obviously not believe my “truth.” God is the one true truth, just look at his creation and your conscience.
Today, with all your heart—turn away from sin, and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Please don’t put it off till later. You may die today and then it will be too late. You may not yet have all the answers to your questions, but better to put on the parachute first and then ask questions, then to pass through the door unprepared, grasping for the parachute when it’s too late. You can pray something like this—"Dear God, today I turn from all my sins (name them), and I put my trust in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Please forgive me, and grant me your gift of everlasting life. Amen."
Thank you for taking time to read this.
Merry Christmas -Lisa
posted by Lisa at 12:50 PM
0 comments
