Showing posts with label the real meaning of Christmas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label the real meaning of Christmas. Show all posts
Monday, December 26, 2011
Holiday or Holy Day?
For centuries, society has been slowly drifting down a broad river of change, but speed is picking up, and we have now entered the rapids. Even Christmas is not immune to these changes. It has become just a "holiday" to the world—and, sadly, even to some Christians.
"Merry Christmas" has been replaced by "Happy Holidays," and carols about Jesus have been traded for songs celebrating Santa Claus, winter, family, and friends. Finding Christ-centered Christmas cards has become a challenge. Snowmen and sleighs have taken the place of manger scenes, which were once common in both private and public settings.
This slide away from Christ is the natural progression of the world, but it is not the direction that believers should go. Drifting is easy: you just relax and follow the path of least resistance. But going against the stream requires constant awareness and diligent effort. We must actively guard against letting the world steal Christ from our celebrations.
Christmas is not just a holiday; it is a holy day—the day God came to earth in the flesh of a tiny baby for the purpose of reconciling sinful mankind to Himself. Holidays are numerous, but there is only one Christmas.
The world tries hard to find pleasure in Christ-less holiday observances, but happiness is often elusive when experiences don't match expectations. If you feel a sense of letdown, you may have drifted away from an authentic celebration of Christmas. Allow Jesus back in, and joy will return.
Scripture Of The Day: "And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,[b] for he will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 (NLT)
Friday, December 23, 2011
The Main Event
In December 1903, Wilbur and Orville Wright sent a telegram to their family from Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. It said, "We actually flew 120 feet. We'll be home for Christmas." Their sister Katharine took it to the editor of the local newspaper. His response was interesting. "Oh, how nice," he said. "The boys will be home for Christmas." He missed the main event: Mankind had flown!
Much bigger news happened in a little town outside Jerusalem 1900 years earlier, but some people missed it.
We find one of them in Luke 2. The innkeeper at Bethlehem missed the main event because he was too preoccupied with his business. Although there's always room available for a stranger in that part of the world, he showed no hospitality whatsoever. He sent Joseph and Mary to a stable. This shows the attitude of the world toward God. When it comes to spiritual things, and the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, most people's response is that they're too busy. But if you're too busy for God, you are just too busy!
In Matthew 2 we find the second one who missed the main event, a paranoid politician. King Herod was fearful and perturbed when the magi came looking for a newborn "King of the Jews." This was Herod's title, and he didn't want any competition. He didn't want to lose control. There are people today who won't let God interfere with their personal kingdoms. God is fine as long as He doesn't invade their space. Like Herod, they claim to worship God, but it's really all about them.
And then there was a group of passive theologians. Herod asked the scribes and priests where Christ would be born, and they knew the exact place. I think that's amazing--not because of what they knew, but because of what they didn't do. Why didn't they go to Bethlehem? It was only five miles away! It's not enough to know the text or be able to analyze it or quote it. You have to respond in obedience. Do you have a passion for God, to know Him and have His peace? Or has this "church thing" become routine?
So there was no room in the inn, no room in the court, no room in the religious system. No room for Jesus. How about you? Are you preoccupied with other things? Are you paranoid about losing your position as king of your own life? Or are you just passive and can't be bothered?
Don't miss the main event. Don't let distractions or pride or apathy keep you from Jesus Christ. He is the Son of God, the Savior, and the only one worthy of our worship. "O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!"
Scripture Of The Day: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 (ESV)
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Did Mary Know?
There’s one song that never gets old to me. I’ve listened to Mary, Did You Know? every Christmas season for well over two decades and each time I hear the powerful phrases, I’m moved. Phrases like Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand and This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you. See what I mean? Goose bumps, friend. Goose bumps.
We don’t know much about Mary except that she was a virgin and probably in her early teens. According to Luke 1:28, we know that she was “highly favored” and that “the Lord was with her”. Even without a stunning resume, God used her. Sweet, little Mary who kept to herself and wasn’t a big “play maker” was invited by the Creator of the universe to change the world.
I think the reason He chose her is because of her willingness. Upon hearing how this would play out in her life, Mary’s response was, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said.” (Luke 1:38)
Mary simply said yes to her Lord with no conditions whatsoever.
I wonder where you are in your life right now. I wonder how much of “you” you’ve truly surrendered. I wonder if you are living the truth that “your life is not your own” and that you’ve been “bought with a price.” I wonder what you are missing out on because you won’t let Him lead.
And I only wonder because I was once there.
Friend, we have a Messiah. His name is Jesus. He is the Savior of the world. He walked on water without a single bit of effort. He came and died to make you new. He gave sight to a blind man with some dirt and saliva. He woke up from a deep sleep and calmed a raging storm with his human hand. He fed over 5,000 people with a tiny bit of bread and fish. He does the miraculous.
And He has amazing plans for your life.
Scripture Of The Day: "He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel[e] forever; his Kingdom will never end!" - Luke 1:32-33 (NLT)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
A Bloody Sight
“King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel who had assembled before him were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, so many that they could not be reported or counted. And the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place in the Holy of Holies of the house, under the wings of the cherubim.” 1 Kings 8:5-6 (AMP)
What a bloody scene! King Solomon and all of Israel had gathered and were walking in front of the priests who were carrying The Ark of The Covenant, which is where God’s Presence was in that day. King Solomon had built a temple or house for God’s Presence to reside at for the people of God. And as the priests were carrying The Ark of The Covenant to this magnificent temple, ahead of them, King Solomon and the Israelites were sacrificing animals on the way to the temple! The priests were walking through Jerusalem in puddles of bloody sacrifices! So many sacrifices were sowed that day to God that the Bible says that it could not even be counted!
Today, we may not be able to comprehend why such a sacrifice was made on that day. And yet, if we look deeper we will see that it is a portrait of the bloody walk of Jesus through the streets of Jerusalem. And the blood was not of other animals, but from The Lamb of God, Jesus! Jesus bled down the streets of Jerusalem through the beatings, flogging, and crown of thorns on His head. The Presence of God had come in human form to earth and was displaying His Sacrifice for all of us that day as Jesus made His bloody walk for us!
As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ this month, remember that the mission He came to complete was to sacrifice Himself so that we could live. Give Him your life today! This, my sisters and brothers, is the true meaning of Christmas!
Scripture Of The Day: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (ESV)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Christmas Joy, Even When You’re Hurting
By Lisa Crum
It's a hard time to feel Christmas cheer if you're still reeling over sickness or the recent loss of a loved one. Sometimes, until we heal, the full holiday effect is just too much for our wounded spirits. If the whole “Christmas experience” is overwhelming to you, try narrowing your celebration down to simple worship of God for the gift of His Son.
True Christmas is all about Him instead of us. It need be nothing more. We make it far too complicated because we center its significance on people, not God. I hear people say all the time, “Christmas is all about the kids.” Well, it isn’t. It’s about Jesus. If it’s not, we’re setting ourselves up for cruel disappointment. Kids will grow up and leave home. Sometimes loved ones die. Divorce happens. A lost job will leave your pockets empty with nothing under the tree—if you can even afford the tree! When the people and things we love leave us or let us down, it crushes our love for the season; but when we focus on Him, however, as rightly we should, other things are small and less significant in comparison. Please don’t despair, for paring down your expectations and shifting your priorities can make this season a time of joy again. Your return to sincere worship will not only shut out the noise of the things that cause you pain, but your Heavenly Father actually hovers close to those who praise Him.
We had a significant loss in our family several years ago; a close loved one taken unexpectedly, whose funeral was on Christmas Day. After some painful Christmases to follow, we eventually learned that healing came when we narrowed our focus back to Jesus. In His rightful place, He set all things right again.
In most cases, we can't avoid the other stuff entirely. There will be little kids to buy for, that kind of thing...but if you're going through a time when the season is just too painful, don't immerse yourself in the part that drags you down. Don't sit and listen to sad old songs--and if memories cause you to be depressed, stay away from them until feelings aren't so raw. There will come a day again when these things won't weigh 500 pounds on your shoulders. It's not sacrilegious if you choose this year not to observe the Christmas built on traditions of men! You don’t have to hang lights or put up a tree, or watch "It's a Wonderful Life" on TV in order to observe Christmas! Don’t take yourself into the places where you haven't healed. Take a break from that part of this season and just go back to Jesus. There's no sadness associated with His birth, and that's where our true celebration begins. Peace will permeate the hurt places in your life.
Make your Christmas all about Him this year (and every year), and other things will take their rightful place in the mix. With Him as the centerpiece of this holy day, you need never hate or dread Christmas again. All the other things which make it a dreadful time for some--shopping nightmares, stress, shortage of money, painful memories--these have nothing to do with Jesus. Stay focused on Him. The pure simplicity of His birth doesn't require anything more than a grateful heart; so whatever else tries to crowd out your Christmas spirit, push it away from the center of your life and just rest, like the baby in the manger, in the infinite goodness of a God Who was willing to give His very best--for YOU.
Scripture Of The Day: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." - Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas is about hope
In many places around the world, there are people who have been in the Christmas mood for a number of days and in some cases, weeks. Gifts, dinners, shopping, sports and a number of other things seem to signal this annual holiday season. But have you ever really stopped to think about what Christmas is really all about? Beyond just saying, “Oh, it’s about Jesus’ birth.” What is that really about?
I believe the real meaning of Christmas is about hope. Hope is the expectation of a promise being fulfilled. It is the anticipation that a specific circumstance will be met with a different outcome than what currently exists. Bad relationships without hope lead to divorce, separation, and irreconcilable differences. Unemployment without hope leads to stress attacks and headaches. An unfavorable medical diagnosis without hope could lead to suicide or depression. And as we inspect our own lives, we can see the truth of Proverbs 13:12, “hope deferred makes the heart sick…” Moments and seasons where our hope was weaning, we all can confirm that we were headed for a destination that we really did not desire. We had to find a way to fight to restore the hope that lay deep within us.
The birth of Christ, his reason for coming and the lasting legacy that Jesus has established, is all about us living lives of hope. Without Christ being born or willingly leaving a legacy, which includes His Word and the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to have any sense of hope about our faith, finances, families, friends or future.
But with His birth, everything stands the chance to be defeated as it attempts to stand between us and the realization of God’s promises. With Jesus leaving His legacy, we have the opportunity to keep a lifted head in any circumstance.
1 Peter 1: 3-4 (NIV) tell us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.” The Message Translation of this same verse helps us understand clearly why we have hope through Jesus Christ. It says, “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!”
The truth of your future starts right now. In most Christmas traditions, you have to wait until Christmas day to open your gifts and presents. The good news is that you don’t have to wait for hope, you have it right now. The gift has been presented to you and ready for you to receive it. Your future, faith, family and finances all have just been injected with hope. Today, hope is alive!
Scripture Of The Day: "Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we've been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now!" - 1 Peter 1:3-4 (MSG)
Saturday, December 25, 2010
It’s All About Him
By Greg Laurie
I heard a story about a little girl who noticed that her mom was getting really stressed out around Christmas. Everything was bothering her mom, and she was very irritable. Evening came and the mom bathed the little girl, got her ready for bed, put her under the covers, and had her say her prayers. She would usually pray the Lord's Prayer. But on this particular evening, she amended it a little bit. Her petition went something like this: "Father, forgive us our Christmases, as we forgive those who Christmas against us."
That is what happens when we lose focus of the real meaning of Christmas, isn't it? We get so caught up in the busyness of the season that sometimes we forget the wonder of it all: that deity took on humanity, that God became a man. Scripture sums it up well in 2 Corinthians 8:9, which says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (NKJV). Jesus literally went from the throne of Heaven to a simple little cave or stable.
Can you imagine what must have gone through Mary's mind that day when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she would be the mother of the Messiah? Her head must have been swimming. "What about Joseph? What are people going to say?" But God had it all put together, because the time was just right in every way.
But there was one small detail: The Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as Scripture prophesied (see Micah 5:2). So the Lord touched the mind of a little man who was big in his own mind. His name was Caesar and, at this particular time in history, he was the most powerful man on Earth. One day, Caesar gave a decree that all of the world should be taxed. In reality, he was nothing more than a pawn in the hand of God. The Lord needed Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, so He moved events.
So Mary and Joseph had to make the difficult journey to Bethlehem, which was especially perilous for a woman who was as far along in her pregnancy as Mary was. But they did make it, and there the miraculous birth of Christ took place, just as Scripture said it would.
This little baby grew up quickly and, although we would love to know more about his boyhood, the Bible offers only a few details. But one day in the synagogue in Nazareth, as the custom was, the time had come for Jesus to read. He walked to the front of the synagogue, opened up the scroll, and began to read from Isaiah:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18–19 NLT)
When He had finished, He sat down and said, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (verse 21). He had declared himself the Messiah. His public ministry had begun.
This One who was sent from God was always in perfect sync with the Father. While He spoke with the learned spiritual leaders, He always had time for the outcasts of society—people like the woman at the well and the tax collector, Zacchaeus. People like you. People like me.
His ministry on Earth was only a few years, and then He was crucified. You can be sure that as He hung there on the cross, where all of the sin of humanity was placed upon Him, this was God's most painful moment. But then it was finished. Jesus rose again from the dead and, after a time, ascended back into Heaven, promising to come back to this earth. And we eagerly await that day.
This Jesus who was born in a manger, who walked this earth, who was crucified, and who rose again, is not some mere historical figure, although He was that. He is alive, and He is still in the business of changing lives.
That is the reason He came: to put us in touch with God, to forgive us of all of our sins, and to give our lives purpose and meaning.
Scripture Of The Day: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" - 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV).
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg, log onto http://harvest.org
I heard a story about a little girl who noticed that her mom was getting really stressed out around Christmas. Everything was bothering her mom, and she was very irritable. Evening came and the mom bathed the little girl, got her ready for bed, put her under the covers, and had her say her prayers. She would usually pray the Lord's Prayer. But on this particular evening, she amended it a little bit. Her petition went something like this: "Father, forgive us our Christmases, as we forgive those who Christmas against us."
That is what happens when we lose focus of the real meaning of Christmas, isn't it? We get so caught up in the busyness of the season that sometimes we forget the wonder of it all: that deity took on humanity, that God became a man. Scripture sums it up well in 2 Corinthians 8:9, which says: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" (NKJV). Jesus literally went from the throne of Heaven to a simple little cave or stable.
Can you imagine what must have gone through Mary's mind that day when the angel Gabriel appeared to her and told her she would be the mother of the Messiah? Her head must have been swimming. "What about Joseph? What are people going to say?" But God had it all put together, because the time was just right in every way.
But there was one small detail: The Messiah was to be born in Bethlehem, as Scripture prophesied (see Micah 5:2). So the Lord touched the mind of a little man who was big in his own mind. His name was Caesar and, at this particular time in history, he was the most powerful man on Earth. One day, Caesar gave a decree that all of the world should be taxed. In reality, he was nothing more than a pawn in the hand of God. The Lord needed Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, so He moved events.
So Mary and Joseph had to make the difficult journey to Bethlehem, which was especially perilous for a woman who was as far along in her pregnancy as Mary was. But they did make it, and there the miraculous birth of Christ took place, just as Scripture said it would.
This little baby grew up quickly and, although we would love to know more about his boyhood, the Bible offers only a few details. But one day in the synagogue in Nazareth, as the custom was, the time had come for Jesus to read. He walked to the front of the synagogue, opened up the scroll, and began to read from Isaiah:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord. (Luke 4:18–19 NLT)
When He had finished, He sat down and said, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing" (verse 21). He had declared himself the Messiah. His public ministry had begun.
This One who was sent from God was always in perfect sync with the Father. While He spoke with the learned spiritual leaders, He always had time for the outcasts of society—people like the woman at the well and the tax collector, Zacchaeus. People like you. People like me.
His ministry on Earth was only a few years, and then He was crucified. You can be sure that as He hung there on the cross, where all of the sin of humanity was placed upon Him, this was God's most painful moment. But then it was finished. Jesus rose again from the dead and, after a time, ascended back into Heaven, promising to come back to this earth. And we eagerly await that day.
This Jesus who was born in a manger, who walked this earth, who was crucified, and who rose again, is not some mere historical figure, although He was that. He is alive, and He is still in the business of changing lives.
That is the reason He came: to put us in touch with God, to forgive us of all of our sins, and to give our lives purpose and meaning.
Scripture Of The Day: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich" - 2 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV).
Greg Laurie serves as the Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. For more about Greg, log onto http://harvest.org
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Eve Gift
By Alan Riley
My family on my father's side had an unusual tradition.
Many years at Christmas we would travel to my grandparents' house in Alabama on December 23. We would be there for Christmas eve day and then head back home that night. My father was the oldest of seven children, so I had a LOT of uncles, aunts and cousins on that side of the family, most of whom lived nearby. On December 24, whenever one of the family would arrive at my grandparent's house, they would come through the door saying, "Christmas Eve gift!"
I remember wondering why they said that. Sometimes they were carrying gifts to put under the tree but at least half of the time they had nothing in their hands as they walked through the door and said, "Christmas Eve gift!"
As an adult, I asked one of my uncles about the family custom. He smiled and said that the family had been doing that since my father was a little boy. The meaning behind it was simple, yet profound. The "gift" they referred to was themselves. The gift of being together as a family was, after all, the best gift we could give each other.
Some Christmases when my father was growing up, especially during the Great Depression, that was about the only gift that they had to give each other. But even in the years when there were presents under the tree for all of us, the best gift they gave each other was being together at Christmas. So they recognized that with the tradition of saying "Christmas Eve gift!" as they arrived to share the special day together.
For the life of me, I can't recall a single material gift that I was ever given at my grandparent's house - even though there was always something under the tree for me. Whatever those gifts were - perhaps toys, clothing, or books - they have long since faded from my memory. Yet I can close my eyes and see the faces of my cousins as we talked, laughed and sang together on Christmas Eve. I can vividly remember what it smelled like in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and patience showered on me by all of my uncles and aunts.
So they were right. The gift that we announced as we came through the door and shouted "Christmas Eve gift!" was the best gift, the most valuable gift, and the gift that has stood the test of time: the gift of time spent with those you love.
As you give presents to those you love this Christmas, keep in mind that the best gift you can give is the gift of yourself. The material things you get and give this year will soon be used up, broken and forgotten. But the gift of love and time invested in your loved ones will be kept and cherished in their hearts - and in yours - for the rest of our lives.
Some say we give gifts at Christmas to carry on the tradition of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. But when we give the gift of ourselves, we are truly being like the One whose birth we celebrate. The one who loves us and gave Himself for us so that we could spend eternity together with Him.
Christmas Eve gift!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
My family on my father's side had an unusual tradition.
Many years at Christmas we would travel to my grandparents' house in Alabama on December 23. We would be there for Christmas eve day and then head back home that night. My father was the oldest of seven children, so I had a LOT of uncles, aunts and cousins on that side of the family, most of whom lived nearby. On December 24, whenever one of the family would arrive at my grandparent's house, they would come through the door saying, "Christmas Eve gift!"
I remember wondering why they said that. Sometimes they were carrying gifts to put under the tree but at least half of the time they had nothing in their hands as they walked through the door and said, "Christmas Eve gift!"
As an adult, I asked one of my uncles about the family custom. He smiled and said that the family had been doing that since my father was a little boy. The meaning behind it was simple, yet profound. The "gift" they referred to was themselves. The gift of being together as a family was, after all, the best gift we could give each other.
Some Christmases when my father was growing up, especially during the Great Depression, that was about the only gift that they had to give each other. But even in the years when there were presents under the tree for all of us, the best gift they gave each other was being together at Christmas. So they recognized that with the tradition of saying "Christmas Eve gift!" as they arrived to share the special day together.
For the life of me, I can't recall a single material gift that I was ever given at my grandparent's house - even though there was always something under the tree for me. Whatever those gifts were - perhaps toys, clothing, or books - they have long since faded from my memory. Yet I can close my eyes and see the faces of my cousins as we talked, laughed and sang together on Christmas Eve. I can vividly remember what it smelled like in my grandmother's kitchen, and the love and patience showered on me by all of my uncles and aunts.
So they were right. The gift that we announced as we came through the door and shouted "Christmas Eve gift!" was the best gift, the most valuable gift, and the gift that has stood the test of time: the gift of time spent with those you love.
As you give presents to those you love this Christmas, keep in mind that the best gift you can give is the gift of yourself. The material things you get and give this year will soon be used up, broken and forgotten. But the gift of love and time invested in your loved ones will be kept and cherished in their hearts - and in yours - for the rest of our lives.
Some say we give gifts at Christmas to carry on the tradition of the Magi who brought gifts to Jesus. But when we give the gift of ourselves, we are truly being like the One whose birth we celebrate. The one who loves us and gave Himself for us so that we could spend eternity together with Him.
Christmas Eve gift!
Alan Riley is Vice President for Ministry and Media Development for 316 Networks (http://www.316Networks.com), Streaming Faith’s sister media property. He can be found blogging at http://www.alansblog.com or more often opining in 140 characters or less at http://www.Twitter.com/AlanRiley.…
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The Spirit of Christmas
By Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
Have you allowed Christmas to be reduced to a time of materialism, selfish gratification, and stress? In today’s world, this sacred holiday has lost much of its meaning because people do not really know what Christmas is all about. The hustle and bustle of gift-buying, shopping, and catching the best sale consumes the majority of the public around this time of year. However, God’s purpose for the Christmas celebration is for us to remember and meditate on the most precious gift of all—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Jesus was our Heavenly Father’s ultimate gift to mankind! Without Him, all of us would be doomed to an eternity in hell. However, God loved the world so much He gave Jesus to us. He came to die for our sins so we would not have to die and go to hell. It was the ultimate sacrifice.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the receiving aspect of the holidays, with much of the focus being on what we can expect to get from someone else. But what if every person, family, and community took on the attitude of servanthood and giving during the Christmas season? What if it became more about imitating what God did through giving Jesus, than it is about what we can get from someone else? I believe if this shift of focus would begin to take place, people’s needs would be met, love would be released, and everyone would get blessed.
The blessing of Christmas is bigger than a tree, shiny bows and ribbons, unwrapping presents, and getting everything on our wish list. It is really all about Jesus! He is the One who deserves the glory, honor, and praise for the awesome work He did on our behalf. He gave us the gift of salvation, something we did not earn or deserve.
This Christmas, I want to challenge you to focus on someone else and purpose to be a blessing to them, just like Jesus was and is, to us. Make a list of all the people you know and ask the Lord to show you what you can do to make their lives more joyous. Find out what and how God wants you to give so He can demonstrate His love to someone through you. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
Now, I am in no way saying it is wrong to receive gifts and experience the joy of getting something you really desire. God wants to bless you too! But in the midst of all that is going on around you, remember the reason for the season. Jesus is the One who gave us the gift of eternal life. Now that is something worth celebrating!
Scripture Of The Day: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." - 1 John 5:13
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, located in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning “Changing Your World” television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit http://www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org…
Have you allowed Christmas to be reduced to a time of materialism, selfish gratification, and stress? In today’s world, this sacred holiday has lost much of its meaning because people do not really know what Christmas is all about. The hustle and bustle of gift-buying, shopping, and catching the best sale consumes the majority of the public around this time of year. However, God’s purpose for the Christmas celebration is for us to remember and meditate on the most precious gift of all—Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Jesus was our Heavenly Father’s ultimate gift to mankind! Without Him, all of us would be doomed to an eternity in hell. However, God loved the world so much He gave Jesus to us. He came to die for our sins so we would not have to die and go to hell. It was the ultimate sacrifice.
It is easy to get wrapped up in the receiving aspect of the holidays, with much of the focus being on what we can expect to get from someone else. But what if every person, family, and community took on the attitude of servanthood and giving during the Christmas season? What if it became more about imitating what God did through giving Jesus, than it is about what we can get from someone else? I believe if this shift of focus would begin to take place, people’s needs would be met, love would be released, and everyone would get blessed.
The blessing of Christmas is bigger than a tree, shiny bows and ribbons, unwrapping presents, and getting everything on our wish list. It is really all about Jesus! He is the One who deserves the glory, honor, and praise for the awesome work He did on our behalf. He gave us the gift of salvation, something we did not earn or deserve.
This Christmas, I want to challenge you to focus on someone else and purpose to be a blessing to them, just like Jesus was and is, to us. Make a list of all the people you know and ask the Lord to show you what you can do to make their lives more joyous. Find out what and how God wants you to give so He can demonstrate His love to someone through you. This is the true meaning of Christmas.
Now, I am in no way saying it is wrong to receive gifts and experience the joy of getting something you really desire. God wants to bless you too! But in the midst of all that is going on around you, remember the reason for the season. Jesus is the One who gave us the gift of eternal life. Now that is something worth celebrating!
Scripture Of The Day: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life." - 1 John 5:13
Dr. Creflo A. Dollar is the senior pastor of World Changers Church International, located in College Park, Georgia. He is committed to changing the world one person at a time, and his award-winning “Changing Your World” television broadcast reaches nearly one billion homes worldwide. Visit http://www.CrefloDollarMinistries.org…
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The Paradoxes Of Christmas
By Dr. Michael Youssef
A paradox is an apparent contradiction which conceals a profound truth--and the Bible is filled with paradoxes: We triumph by first surrendering to God; We find rest under a yoke; We see the unseen through faith;
We find freedom in becoming Christ's bondservants; We are made great by becoming little; We gain through giving; We become wise by becoming fools for Christ's sake; We can only truly live if we die to self.
Yet the greatest paradox in the entire Bible is found in the birth of Jesus Christ. During the time of Jesus' birth, Caesar Augustus was the greatest ruler of the world. He possessed absolute power and incredible wealth. Yet even with all of his earthly authority and riches, Caesar was just a man. When God Himself came to earth, He was not the leader of the largest empire. He was born as a poor and obscure child in Bethlehem. The pagan man, Caesar, was at the height of power; the God-infant, Jesus, was in the depths of helplessness. Caesar was the wealthiest man on earth; Jesus was one of the poorest. Caesar slept in a Roman palace on a golden bed covered with fine linens; Jesus slept in a manger, bundled in swaddling clothes.
But none of the wealth or power that Caesar possessed compared to the glory and splendor that Jesus had left in heaven. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Jesus endured a human, earthly birth so that everyone who follows Him can undergo a spiritual, heavenly birth. Jesus found no room at the inn, yet He said, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). Jesus became a member of a human family so that those who love Him can become members of His heavenly family.
The infant Jesus was pursued by the ruthless and evil King Herod who killed the baby boys in the Bethlehem area, hoping to end the threat of the One "born king of the Jews" (see Matthew 2:1-18). Yet Jesus was born for the very purpose of pursuing and destroying the root of all evil, Satan.
We can learn from the paradoxes of Christmas: We should not judge things by appearance, because God hid His greatest gift in a humble package. We should not judge an end by its beginning, because the babe in the manger will one day return in full glory. We should make room in our hearts for others, so that we can find room for Jesus. By reaching out and witnessing to those who need to hear about Jesus, we can experience Christ even more fully.
In celebration of His birth, thank Jesus for giving up the riches and splendor of heaven to be born a poor and humble infant. Thank Him for dying on the cross, even though He Himself was sinless, so that we may find forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father.
Scripture Of The Day: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:6, 7
Dr. Michael Youssef has been leading the way for people in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ for over 22 years. Dr. Youssef’s Leading The Way’s television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 20 languages, covering more than 200 countries. For more information about Dr. Michael Youssef, log onto http://www.leadingtheway.org.…
A paradox is an apparent contradiction which conceals a profound truth--and the Bible is filled with paradoxes: We triumph by first surrendering to God; We find rest under a yoke; We see the unseen through faith;
We find freedom in becoming Christ's bondservants; We are made great by becoming little; We gain through giving; We become wise by becoming fools for Christ's sake; We can only truly live if we die to self.
Yet the greatest paradox in the entire Bible is found in the birth of Jesus Christ. During the time of Jesus' birth, Caesar Augustus was the greatest ruler of the world. He possessed absolute power and incredible wealth. Yet even with all of his earthly authority and riches, Caesar was just a man. When God Himself came to earth, He was not the leader of the largest empire. He was born as a poor and obscure child in Bethlehem. The pagan man, Caesar, was at the height of power; the God-infant, Jesus, was in the depths of helplessness. Caesar was the wealthiest man on earth; Jesus was one of the poorest. Caesar slept in a Roman palace on a golden bed covered with fine linens; Jesus slept in a manger, bundled in swaddling clothes.
But none of the wealth or power that Caesar possessed compared to the glory and splendor that Jesus had left in heaven. "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Jesus endured a human, earthly birth so that everyone who follows Him can undergo a spiritual, heavenly birth. Jesus found no room at the inn, yet He said, "In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2). Jesus became a member of a human family so that those who love Him can become members of His heavenly family.
The infant Jesus was pursued by the ruthless and evil King Herod who killed the baby boys in the Bethlehem area, hoping to end the threat of the One "born king of the Jews" (see Matthew 2:1-18). Yet Jesus was born for the very purpose of pursuing and destroying the root of all evil, Satan.
We can learn from the paradoxes of Christmas: We should not judge things by appearance, because God hid His greatest gift in a humble package. We should not judge an end by its beginning, because the babe in the manger will one day return in full glory. We should make room in our hearts for others, so that we can find room for Jesus. By reaching out and witnessing to those who need to hear about Jesus, we can experience Christ even more fully.
In celebration of His birth, thank Jesus for giving up the riches and splendor of heaven to be born a poor and humble infant. Thank Him for dying on the cross, even though He Himself was sinless, so that we may find forgiveness and reconciliation with the Father.
Scripture Of The Day: "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness." - Philippians 2:6, 7
Dr. Michael Youssef has been leading the way for people in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ for over 22 years. Dr. Youssef’s Leading The Way’s television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 20 languages, covering more than 200 countries. For more information about Dr. Michael Youssef, log onto http://www.leadingtheway.org.…
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christ In You
By Bishop E. Earl Jenkins
The Virgin Birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, "Are you willing to let Me move in?" Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. Jesus told the disciples, "I am in you" (Jn 14:20 NCV).
Paul prayed, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts" (Eph. 3:17 NIV). John says, "Those who obey...live in him, and he in them" (1 Jn 3:24 NIV). Paul wrote, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27 NIV), then he added: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20 NAS). And Jesus said, "If anyone...opens the door, I will come in" (Rev. 3:20 NIV).
In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden...He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend...He was with Moses and the Israelites. But as a believer He's in you--and He'll keep growing in you until He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear?
Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His unlimited power! That's why Paul writes about "striving according to His power, which mightily works within [us]" (Col 1:29 NAS).
What's in you? "His power!" What more do you need? Remember when the Lord appeared to Mary and she said, "Let it be...according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NKJV)
Make that your prayer this Christmas!
Scripture Of The Day: "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." - Colossians 1:27 ESV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
The Virgin Birth is more than just another Christmas story; it illustrates just how close God wants to get to you. In fact, He's asking you the same question He asked Mary, "Are you willing to let Me move in?" Throughout scripture it's always been His desire to get close to His people. Jesus told the disciples, "I am in you" (Jn 14:20 NCV).
Paul prayed, "That Christ may dwell in your hearts" (Eph. 3:17 NIV). John says, "Those who obey...live in him, and he in them" (1 Jn 3:24 NIV). Paul wrote, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Col 1:27 NIV), then he added: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2:20 NAS). And Jesus said, "If anyone...opens the door, I will come in" (Rev. 3:20 NIV).
In the Old Testament God was with Adam and Eve in the Garden...He was with Abraham, and even called him His friend...He was with Moses and the Israelites. But as a believer He's in you--and He'll keep growing in you until He comes out in what you say, how you act and the decisions you make. Do you struggle with bitterness, worry, habits and fear?
Not Jesus! And because He lives in you, you have access 24/7 to His unlimited power! That's why Paul writes about "striving according to His power, which mightily works within [us]" (Col 1:29 NAS).
What's in you? "His power!" What more do you need? Remember when the Lord appeared to Mary and she said, "Let it be...according to your word." (Lk 1:38 NKJV)
Make that your prayer this Christmas!
Scripture Of The Day: "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." - Colossians 1:27 ESV
Bishop Edward Earl Jenkins is the senior pastor and founder of the True Servant Worship & Praise Church located in Trenton, New Jersey. For over twenty years, Bishop Jenkins’ unique method of preaching and teaching has opened doors to allow him to touch the hearts of many lives near and far. For more information, visit him at http://www.eejministries.org…
Monday, December 20, 2010
Jesus, Our Friend
By Jack Zavada
"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have." -Dwight L. Moody
When Jesus came into the world in human form, he changed our relationship with God forever. He made it possible for us to become adopted sons and daughters in God's family, co-heirs with him to the gift of eternal life with the Father.
But he gave us another Christmas gift few of us ever open: his friendship. He experienced firsthand the loneliness of being human, and he saw that as much as we need a savior, we also need a friend.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)
What better friend could you have? Jesus is steadfastly loyal. He forgives your every fault. He supports and encourages you when you need it most, and he listens whenever you want to talk. He is a tireless listener. Jesus loves you as a friend who wants to see you grow to your full potential. There is no jealousy in him. He wants only the best for you.
Enter more deeply into friendship with Jesus this Christmas season. You can trust him. If you reach out and accept the friendship he offers, your life will never be the same.
Scripture Of The Day: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)
Jack Zavada is the author of Single & Sure, a new ebook aimed at single Christians. A cancer survivor, Jack is a contributing author for a number of online publications, and shares his experiences as a single Christian on his website, Inspiration-For-Singles.com.
"A rule I have had for years is: to treat the Lord Jesus Christ as a personal friend. His is not a creed, a mere doctrine, but it is He Himself we have." -Dwight L. Moody
When Jesus came into the world in human form, he changed our relationship with God forever. He made it possible for us to become adopted sons and daughters in God's family, co-heirs with him to the gift of eternal life with the Father.
But he gave us another Christmas gift few of us ever open: his friendship. He experienced firsthand the loneliness of being human, and he saw that as much as we need a savior, we also need a friend.
"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)
What better friend could you have? Jesus is steadfastly loyal. He forgives your every fault. He supports and encourages you when you need it most, and he listens whenever you want to talk. He is a tireless listener. Jesus loves you as a friend who wants to see you grow to your full potential. There is no jealousy in him. He wants only the best for you.
Enter more deeply into friendship with Jesus this Christmas season. You can trust him. If you reach out and accept the friendship he offers, your life will never be the same.
Scripture Of The Day: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15 (NIV)
Jack Zavada is the author of Single & Sure, a new ebook aimed at single Christians. A cancer survivor, Jack is a contributing author for a number of online publications, and shares his experiences as a single Christian on his website, Inspiration-For-Singles.com.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The True Meaning of Christmas
By Dr. Frederick K.C. Price
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday--Christmas--is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God."
Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Scripture Of The Day: "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh" - Romans 8:3 (ESV)
Christmas is one of the most important days among Christians. This day commemorates and celebrates the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is more than just a holiday. It is the remembrance of the fact that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
Jesus' birthday--Christmas--is about God's love. It is about God's love for you and me. It is God expressing His great love for mankind, through the giving of the greatest gift, the Lord Jesus Christ. He loves us not because of what we are, but He loves us because of what He knows we can become, if we'll allow Him to get involved in our lives.
John 1:1-3, 14:
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 He was in the beginning with God.
3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.
14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
This passage from the Book of John tells us what Christmas is all about. It is about Jesus coming into the world. It is about the Word of God, the Living Word; Jesus is called the Logos, or the Word of God, and it says, "In the beginning was the Word."
Notice that verse 1 says "the Word was with God". This verse shows Jesus' separate and distinct personality. Then it says "the Word was God."
Now, I can't explain this to you. I can't explain it in a rational way so that you can understand it intellectually, but that's what the Bible says, it says that the Word was with God and then it says that the Word was God. Praise God that He doesn't require us to understand it mentally in order to gain the benefits from it; all we have to do is simply believe it.
Romans 8:1-3:
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.
3 For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,
This is the purpose of Jesus' coming. His purpose was to come and take away our sin. To come and pay the penalty that all of us should have rightfully paid as a result of Adam's sin in the garden of Eden. Jesus came to do it for us; that's what this season is all about. That's the true meaning of Christmas, that Jesus came to do what the flesh could not do and that is to bring us back into fellowship and communion with the Heavenly Father.
Hebrews 2:10-15:
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.
11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,
12 saying: "I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You."
13 And again: "I will put My trust in Him." And again: "Here am I and the children whom God has given Me."
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,
15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Jesus came to set us free from the ravages of death. Praise the Lord! The real meaning of Christmas is Jesus Christ: crucified, dead, risen, ascended, and coming again!
Scripture Of The Day: "For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh" - Romans 8:3 (ESV)
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