The celebration of Christmas is a wonderful time of year that I enjoy very much. However, the Christmas season is not about traditions, emotions, the giving of presents, family, or decorations … and it’s certainly not about Santa Claus. Even though these can all bring us delight and give us warm “fuzzies”, these are not the true meaning of Christmas.
At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus the Christ child. What that infant did when he grew into a perfect man, who was without sin, is what makes the birth of Christ so special. That infant, because he is Immanuel, God with us, would forever change the whole world. He died upon a cross, shedding His blood to atone or pay for our sins, sins that we are incapable of paying for ourselves. He died for our sins. Without His death, His birth is without meaning for us.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
Just as you might traditionally give gifts to your loved ones this year, understand that God is offering you a gift as well: the gift of salvation and eternal life with Him in heaven. Just like you must accept a Christmas gift for it to be yours, you must accept God’s gift of salvation. To know more about this gift, and how to accept it, go to http://www.discovercreation.org/kids/documents/KnowYourCreator.pdf .
May you have a joyful Christ filled Christmas!
Lanny Johnson
