WHAT IS CHRISTMAS? WHO IS IT FOR?
At the end of the year you hear many people wishing a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays to friends, family and even to perfect strangers. Another comment that you hear quite often is that Christmas is only for the children. All of the lights, all of the merriment, all of the food (here in the United States), what's it all about? There is no denying that the tradition goes back to the birth of Jesus Christ about 2000 years ago.
So, what's the big deal? Some little kid was born in a stable filled with a bunch of animals. Well, He wasn't just some little kid, He is the Creator of the universe. Jesus Christ came to pardon us from our sins through His death on the cross and His resurrection. Jesus' merciful act provides for each of us an eternal, glorious life with Him.
Again the question, who did Jesus come for and what about the comment that Christmas is only for children?
Theologians will debate the year that a child attains the "age of reason". Most will say the age is 7 years to 9 years of age. The "age of reason" is when we are able to recognize and to know the difference between "right and wrong". A child at that age will be able to determine when an action or a word is a sin and when it is not.
Most theologians agree that should a child die before that "age of reason" they would go directly to heaven. So, for whom did Jesus come?
Jesus said in Matthew 9:11-13 "............It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.............For I have not come to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance". Who are the sinners? You and me!! Jesus came for us!!
Don't get me wrong, I buy presents for my children and now for my grandchildren. I love to see the happy faces of the children when they open their presents. However, this is not an activity enjoyed by the majority of children in the world (i.e. China, India Africa, etc.).
Further, Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven"; also please read Mark 9:33-42.
What further can we say about this baby who was born in a Bethlehem stable? Let us look at a few of the words from the beautiful Christmas song "Mary did you know". "Mary did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new; This child that you delivered would soon deliver you". I realize that I am not using Scripture , but, the theology is sound. The Bible says, in Romans 3:23, "for ALL" have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
Even the Mother of God was delivered by JESUS, GOD THE SON. Another verse reads; "And when you kissed your baby, you kissed the face of God" and further Mary did you know that your baby boy is LORD of all creation? Can any of us imagine what it must have been like to kiss the face of the baby Jesus who was God incarnate, or to hold in your arms the Creator of the whole universe?
I believe that our country, the United States, is at a crossroads. Let us all take the Holy Christmas season and do as Jesus, God the Son, commanded us to do. In addition, let us follow His commands all year long. The Bible states in 2 Chronicles 7:14; "If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land". By bringing the United States back to the LORD, one person at a time, is the only way for this wonderful country to continue as it was founded over 225 years ago, by the Founding Fathers.
Let us all imagine that we are holding the blessed baby Jesus, what would we do to protect Him? Jesus told us that whatever we do for others it's as if we are doing so for Him. Matt 25:40 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Therefore, shouldn't we do the same for our family, friends, neighbors or those in foreign lands. Jesus said in Matthew 22:39 "...You shall love your neighbor as yourself". Jesus further said in Matthew 28:19-20 "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations,.......teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you," What would Jesus do???? To know what Jesus would do, read His Word the Bible and follow His directions.
