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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: It’s Christmas Day (in the present or living memory) (11/27/08)
    And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7 NAS)
Many of us know December 25 is not the actual day Jesus was born, and Christmas Day was never celebrated until 138 before it was officially declared a day for remembering the birth of Christ in 440 by the Roman church court.

The Bible does not record the exact date Jesus was born, but it does record the certainty of His birth in history. In some parts of the world, the birth of Christ is celebrated on a different day from Christmas Day. Certain believers choose to celebrate Christmas on a day they believe is more likely to be the actual day of Christ's birth or a day nearer to the Bible records of the season and weather the shepherds were able to tend the sheeps at night (Luke 2:8). Whichever the day chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ, however, the most important fact remains unchanged of Jesus' birth in history (Luke 2:7).

Whether we choose to think of the Bible as scriptures or as a compilation of historical documents, we must all be mindful therefore of the fact that Jesus' birth was real, and He came to earth as a Child to save us all from sin, by His death on the Cross, with healing and miraculous powers in His hands, to break the bonds of slavery and to set captives free. For ...

    What Child is this who, laid to rest
    On Mary's lap is sleeping?
    Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
    While shepherds watch are keeping?
    This, this is Christ the King,
    Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
    Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
    The Babe, the Son of Mary.

    Why lies He in such mean estate,
    Where ox and ass are feeding?
    Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
    The silent Word is pleading.
    Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
    The cross be borne for me, for you.
    Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
    The Babe, the Son of Mary.

    So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
    Come peasant, king to own Him;
    The King of kings salvation brings,
    Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
    Raise, raise a song on high,
    The virgin sings her lullaby.
    Joy, joy for Christ is born,
    The Babe, the Son of Mary.
Teach us therefore O Lord to remember the birth of Christ, and lead us not into argument on the controversy of which day Christmas Day should be. Help us Lord to see what is truly important is the fact of Your birth in recorded history, for purpose we all know, to die on the Cross for our sin, to save us all from slavery and death eternally. Show through us Lord, the joy, happiness and love that come from You, in proclaiming to the world Your power, glory and salvation, the Christmas message of hope and love.

NOTE: Lyrics of the Christmas carol 'What Child is This' is used in this article.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
12/04/08
A nice little devotional, with food for thought.

FYI--I think you wanted "whether" instead of "weather". If you re-visit this, consider only one verse of the carol, and more of your own, very excellent writing.