So many write ups and posts about Christmas. Some good and a lot of them not so good and many that do not recognize the Truth. But instead of taking the time and web space today to begin a discourse on the details of the coming of Jesus over 2000 years ago, I want to raise the importance of the real message of Christmas.
Christmas is about Jesus and if we recognize that then we should be taking a hard look at the purpose that Jesus had in His mission here on the planet. There are many Bible verses we could look at but on my heart and mind today is the following text from the book of Titus.
3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. - Titus 3:3–7 (ESV)
Jesus came, born in human form, Holy, righteous, the son of God, the Savior; this is who we celebrate at Christmas. I pray that if you do celebrate Him at Christmas that you celebrate Him year round. Jesus came to do something that had never been done before. He came to make us "new". His life, His teaching, His suffering, His sacrifice, His death and resurrection all of it was done with a purpose, this purpose is to give us life. Not a re-start of this life, but a truly NEW life, something better, something true and real. God grants us new life through the name of Jesus. In Him we are forgiven of our sin, we are given His righteousness, we are adopted as children of God, we are saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit. This gift of salvation through Jesus is the most important message ever and it is what Christmas is about.
So as you take time to celebrate this year, remember that Jesus came to make you new and give you life and freedom. Draw near to Him and live in that real and full relationship. Do not allow yourself to be pulled into sins that distract you from your Lord. Do not allow yourself to be distracted by trying to please God with good works. Instead live in humble repentance as we recognize that we cannot live up to our new life gift that we have been given. The Hope we have is found in the Giver of the gift so set your focus on God, love God above all, draw near to Jesus, rest on the comfort of the Holy Spirit and then do as God directs you to, not out of guilt or seeking something from Him but as a result of His love in you.
God regenerates you so that you can live in relationship with Him. So remember Christmas in that relationship, living and true, it is where you will find joy and freedom, true life.
Pastor Bruce
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