Putting Christ Into Christmas

At this beginning of the Christmas season let us gather our families together and remind them through the reading of the Christmas story the real meaning of this great Christian celebration. Let us attempt to cause them to see for themselves that there is a great depth of richness of the glorious message of Christmas. In these times of distress, threats of terroristic acts, wars and rumors of wars. Let us tteach them that the Christmas is a time:

I. FOR ADORATION AND PRAISE OF OUR LORD

A baby has been born to bless the world in most unique of ways. When any baby is born into a home we rejoice over such a blessed addition to our family. The birth of the Christ child, when viewed from the full scope of the centuries, should cause such rejoicing as hearts cannot contain. Because we know by the testimony of the centuries just what a special person was born in Bethlehem’s stables that night so long ago.

We know through His life, teachings, miracles, sacrificial death and glorious ressurection from the dead that He is truly the Son of God; and that He is worthy to be praised.

II. OF REALIZATION OF THE MEANING OF HIS COMING

What does the coming of Christ into the world really mean to our hearts today? What was His purpose in coming into the midst of mankind? He came to bring peace amoung men of good will by giving them the gift of peace in their hearts through the redemption of their souls. This world today is crying out for peace, in Irag, in Jerusalem, in Palestine, in Great Britian; and right here in the United States of America. All over the world today, we cry out for peace.

The Word of God has already told us what would be, nation is set against nation, race against race, philosophy against philosophy, youth against aged. We claim that we want peace, but until we are willing to have peace on God’s terms we can never find it. we have the promise of Micah the prophet,"And this man shall be the peace" (Micah 5:5a). Jesus said,"These things I have spoken unto, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33)He came to give peace, He came to give hope; and He came to teach us how to love each other.

III. FOR GIVING TO OTHERS WITH NO HOPE OF RECEIVING

The commercialism of Christmas is something that the thinking man and true Christian deplore. The idea of giving ought to be based on love of well wishing, of giving to others in the spirit of Christ. Let us return to the joy of real gift giving at Christmas, giving the greatest of all gifts, Christ Jesus Himself!