In Christ

Christmas – what does it mean? To many people it immediately brings to mind Santa Claus (which is a horrible distortion of the real person of St. Nicholas). To others it may mean the exchange of presents and a nice family meal. Some people even prefer to take the Christ right out of Christmas and call it "Xmas” - whatever that is?

In the second chapter of Luke there is a great account of what Christmas is all about.

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord...' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!'”

These verses are more than just nice words we find in Christmas cards at this time of year. These are words spoken by the angels promising mankind the most powerful, joyful thing ever known - if we will just believe it and receive it!

The word "Christ” means the same as "Messiah.” It is "the Anointed One” and it also refers to the Anointing of God. Please stay with me! In Isaiah 10:27 the prophet defines just what the word anointing means. He says the anointing refers to the burden-removing, yoke-destroying power of God Himself!

Christmas means "the anointing celebration”.

This is what Jesus came to do for us. He came to remove the yoke of slavery mankind was tied down with and destroy all of our burdens! This is the Good News. This is why the angels were praising God! God was making a way back to Himself and He was finally able to bring His peace and goodwill toward mankind again, restoring our relationship with Him once Jesus went to the cross and rose again from the dead. But first Jesus had to be born into this world as a human baby. He gave up His rights and privileges as God.

I challenge you to think about this each time you see a picture of baby Jesus. Think about what He came to do for all of us. Think about the goodness of God!

I also challenge you to not wait another minute and to invite this good God into your life and heart today. It can be as simple of a prayer as "Jesus, take my life and do something with it!” See what He will do for you!

Submitted by Pastor Rena Mae