Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 22, 2012
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).
Christ in Christmas is like memorial in Memorial Day, mother in Mother’s Day, father in Father’s Day, labor in Labor Day, independence in Independence Day, and thanksgiving in Thanksgiving Day. However, in our attempt to not offend other religions and to become politically correct, we have diluted and desecrated the true meaning of Christmas.
Indeed, Jesus is the reason for the season. He is the explanation for eternal life. He is the answer from almighty God for grace and truth incarnate. He is the beginning and the end, a bright light in the darkest darkness. He is our hope on earth as we prepare for our home in heaven.
If Christ is not in Christmas, then churches can convert to corporate offices and missions can morph into humanitarian agencies. Christ in Christmas creates a tension for those who have yet to trust, but to us who have been saved, it is the most significant celebration.
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship” (Galatians 4:4–5).
Christ in Christmas means you live for a purpose much grander than merchandise and commerce. Your children have a legacy of love for God and country, and service to others. You work as unto the Lord and give generously out of gratitude for God’s bountiful blessings.
Christ in Christmas motivates you to live like you were dying and to die like you were living, all in a spirit of faith, hope, and love. By God’s grace you promote a Christian worldview populated by praying people and full of eternal opportunities, while on guard in Spirit-led discernment to Satan’s schemes and evil’s deceptive intentions.
Christ in Christmas compels you to exclaim, “He was born so we would believe, He died so we would live, and He rose so we would rise!” Therefore, in humility and with pride, boldly keep Christ in Christmas. His birth is your excuse to brag about Jesus.
The Bible says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
Prayer: How can I keep Christ in Christmas with my church and family traditions and my everyday life and conversations?
Related Readings: Isaiah 19:20; Malachi 3:1; Acts 2:36
Taken from the December 22nd reading in the new 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” vol. 2… … http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Post/Tweet: Christ in Christmas means we live for a purpose much more compelling than commerce. #Christmas
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© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Boyd, The Christmas YOU speak of here is an “absolute”. The very baseline of a believers everyday reality. What a joy it would’ve been to read from your generosity. “However, in our attempt to include other religions and non-religions in the celebration we might say Happy Holidays! ” ….then an admonishment for our lives and lifestyles… “But please understand that Christ in Christmas means you live for a purpose much grander than merchandise and commerce.” Merry Christmas!