How does the word Christmas affect you?!
Some actually cringe at the thought of:
– the lack of money
– keeping the peace,
– decorating and then
taking it down ALL by yourself,
– wrapping the gifts carefully and
watching those you love tear into
them like nobody’s business,
– making sure your loved ones receive
what’s on their wish list.
Somehow the REAL meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus,
has become watered down and the attention is on us. Trying to keep up with
the neighbors is stressful, in fact, Christmas can be very stressful.
Now, let’s take a look at how God views this most special time of the year. Yes,
Christmas is about “giving” and that’s exactly what God did!
John 3:16 For here is the way God loved us – He GAVE His only, unique Son as a
GIFT. So anyone who believes in Jesus will never perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus willingly left His throne and everything Heaven
represents to come and
rescue us from the plans of the enemy. If you are familiar with even a small
part of this story, you know the job was anything but simple.
God and Jesus operated out of a pure love for us.
This is what we’re missing
at Christmas – we have allowed “the world” (enemy) to
dictate how things are
done. When stress moves in, there seems to be little room for God’s peace.
Recognizing this and taking a mental stand can make all the difference in
how we enjoy this Christmas. Remember, it is the birth of our Lord, Jesus
Christ, whom we are celebrating!
Have a very Merry Christmas!
Declaration:
Today I choose to celebrate Christmas God’s way: I choose to
praise and worship Jesus by giving to those in need, by sharing
“the Good News” (see John 3:16 above), and to speak God’s word
over others, which reflects His heart.
I lay ALL of my cares at the
feet of Jesus. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus
tells me that if I am weary
and carry any burdens, He will give me peace.
So Jesus, I lay ALL
my concerns at Your feet and I LEAVE them there.
Thank You for taking
care of each one; so that I can walk in Your peace
and spread Your love.
Also, Jesus, Happy Birthday! Thank You for
loving me so much that if I
were the only person on this earth, You would have gone
to the cross just for me – Thank You!
I am walking through this Christmas with God’s
heart, seeing through
His eyes, and giving as I go. I am aware of other’s needs. There’s
nothing so fulfilling as when I become
like Jesus.
Colossians 3:12
I clothe myself with Jesus’ compassion, kindness,
humility, gentleness
and patience. I forgive others (and myself).
I forgive as the Lord has
forgiven me. Above all, I put on love, which binds
this all together. Amen and Amen
Enjoy the CHRISTMAS STORY below and
have a very
Blessed and Merry Christmas:
God sent the angel, Gabriel, to Mary saying, “Greetings, favored woman!
The Lord is with you!” He continued, “Don’t be frightened, for God has chosen
to bless you. The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you. You will have a son, and you are to name Him Jesus.”
Mary was a virgin and didn’t understand but she said to the angel, “I am the
Lord’s servant, and I am willing to accept whatever He wants. May everything
you have said come true.”
At this time Mary was engaged to Joseph. The angel appeared to him in a dream
saying, “Joseph, do not be afraid to go ahead with your marriage to Mary. For the child
within her has been conceived by the Holy Spirit. She will have a Son, and you are to
name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”
Isaiah 7:14, 8:8, 10
“Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a Son, and He will be
called Emmanuel – God is with us!”
Because a census had been ordered, Joseph and Mary had to
travel to Bethlehem. Mary
rode on a donkey and when they arrived all rooms were
taken. The inn keeper
offered them the stable where the animals were and there
Jesus was born. (Keep
in mind this was all in God’s plan). After Jesus was born,
Mary wrapped Him
in a blanket and laid Him in the manger – actually a
trough where the animal’s
food was kept. Yes, Jesus, the King of kings, was born in
a manger and slept in a trough.
Nearby some shepherds were in a field when an angel
of the Lord appeared before
them lighting up the field with the blazing glory of God. The
shepherds were frightened,
but the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, for I bring you good news
and it is for everyone! The
Savior, the Messiah, the Lord has been born in Bethlehem,
the city of David. This is how
You will know: You will find a baby lying in a manger,
(trough) wrapped in a blanket.”
Suddenly, the sky was filled with a host of the armies
of heaven – praising God.
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth
and goodwill to men.”
(taken from Luke 1:27-38 and 2:1-14)
Let’s remember “Jesus REALLY is the reason for the season!”
With this in mind, this
season of celebration will glorify the King of Kings, Jesus!