Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: The Reason for the Season of Christmas (12/04/08)
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TITLE: What is the true meaning of Christmas? | Previous Challenge Entry
By paul mahler
12/08/08 -
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The real meaning of Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. The Bible says in 1 Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
Jesus was born to save mankind from sin by giving everlasting Salvation to all who will put their faith and trust in him as seen in John 1:12. This is the reason Christmas is celebrated; it is not just another paid day off work; or just another opportunity to get together with family, and friends. The goal shouldn't be to see how much stuff we can get. We exchange gifts because Jesus came into the world and gave us the best gift of all; Eternal Life.
Jesus said that He was the way the truth and the life, and that no one could come to the Father but by him. He didn't say that he was a good way, or the easiest way, or the most financially profitable way; he just said that he was, and is the only way to Heaven. According to the Bible: the Gospel is " that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures": he offered himself as a sacrifice for every living person. Jesus said in John 15:13 "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." That is exactly what Jesus did. He laid his life down for you, and for me. The bible says that the wages of sin is death, but Jesus never sinned so he didn't have to die, He chose to for our sakes. If Jesus hadn't been born a man than he couldn't have died for man's sin, and therefore make a way for us to be reconciled to the Father.
The hundreds of Santa letters written by children are often a sad testament to how we have failed to keep the focus on Jesus during the Christmas season. Just about every child is told the story of Santa Claus, or hears about him because his presence is everywhere at Christmas. And up to the age of 7 to 8 years, most children believe the story about Santa Claus bringing toys and other gifts. The sad fact is that many of these same children when asked have no idea whatsoever of whom Jesus is or what he has done for them. Most kids believe more in Santa than they do in Jesus. Our society has completely commercialized Christmas. Exchanging gifts, and getting together with loved ones is not a "bad" thing; that is not what I'm trying to imply at all. The problem is that all our focus is on Christmas dinner, and Christmas presents instead of concentrating, and giving due recognition to what Christmas is really all about.
Gift exchange opportunities could, and should be perfect times to share the gospel with our kids, friends, family, and co-workers; not to mention the mall workers, waiter or waitress at the restaurant, or anyone else that we come into contact during the Christmas season. The facts of the matter are that most folks are much more receptive to hear, and talk about Jesus during Christmas than during any other time of the year.
We must not forget that the most important gift that anyone could receive at Christmas time, or any time for that matter is the gift of eternal life. After all that is why Jesus came to the earth in the first place. The Bible tells us that the Gift of God is Eternal Life through Jesus Christ our Lord. We wouldn't be able to receive Gods gift if Jesus hadn't been born. So lets not get all bogged down with trips to the mall, and the like while forgetting what Christmas is really about.
Starting today will you seek the opportunity to share what you have read about here with someone that comes across your path? If you do then you'll be glad you took the time to think about the true meaning of Christmas.
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