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The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)

The Meaning of Christmas #2 (Luke 2:11-14; Romans 16:25-27; 1 Timothy 3:16)

READ: Luke 2:11-14, Romans 16:25-27, and 1 Timothy 3:16

Luke 2:11-14 (KJV)
11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Romans 16:25-27 (KJV)
25  Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
26  But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
27  To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

1 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
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. 

KEY THOUGHT:

What kind of answer would you get if you asked the average person, “What’s Christmas all about?” I suppose for some, the answer would be based on the cultural message sent out by media, marketing, and mass promotion. Sadly, the answers would mostly miss the mark. We’ve done such a great job of blending the secular with the sacred that we seldom separate the two enough to give Christmas its true identity. With that in mind, there’s so much of the season that Christmas is not about… It’s not about…

  • Santa Claus, St. Nick or an elf named Buddy…
  • Rudolph, a red nose, or a reindeer running over someone’s grandmother…
  • Snowmen, magical hats and scarves, or ugly sweaters…
  • Snowflakes that glisten, warm apple strudel, or any other favorite thing,
  • Carols with or without jingling bells, even if they’re silver…
  • Dickory dock, hanging a sock, or climbing down the chimney at 12 o’clock…
  • Packages wrapped in pretty paper, pretty ribbons, and bows…
  • Cookies, puddings, punches, or candy kisses…
  • Friends, family, fancy dinner parties or memorable moments spent roasting chestnuts (or boiling peanuts) by the fire…
  • Snow (real or otherwise), even if it paints a picture like one by Currier and Ives…
  • Mangers, cattle, sheep, or even their shepherds on a midnight clear…
  • Gold, frankincense, myrrh, or gift cards… Or those who bring them…
  • Stars in the night sky, silent or not…
  • Trees and lights, glitter and sparkle, or tinsel and garland…
  • Poinsettias, holly, ivy, evergreens, or even mistletoe…
  • Dot com (Amazon or any other), Black Friday, cyber Monday, or any of the twelve-plus days of Christmas…
  • So many other things that give opportunity to distract us from the Truth about Christmas…

While most of these things are part of the Christmas season experience, these things are not what Christmas is truly all about…

It’s important to note that none of those things listed are wrong or bad, but each of them must be kept in perspective so that they don’t overshadow what true meaning of Christmas. Keeping Christ first at Christmas requires us to recognize that Christmas is a birthday celebration and a reminder… It’s also much more than that. So, what’s Christmas really about?

It’s about:

  • A plan from the beginning of time. (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1; Genesis 3:15)
  • Prophecies fulfilled in the person of Christ as God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7, 53:1-12)
  • Grace to God’s fallen creation (John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Romans 8:34)
  • Sacrifice by God’s only Son on a cruel cross devised by man (Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:21-25)
  • Salvation by the blood of God’s unblemished lamb (1 Peter 1:19-21)
  • Life everlasting given by grace and received by faith (Ephesians 2:1-10)
  • The gospel of salvation spread, taught, and realized around the world (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • The power of God given to man through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
  • An eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken (Hebrews 12:28-29)
  • A Mediator, a Savior, a Redeemer, a King all in one name – Jesus , God with us (Matthew 1:20-23; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; Philippians 2:9-11)

When you carefully consider Christmas, you’ll find the true meaning of Christmas, and why God sent His Son as a Gift… It’s as much about the cross as it is about the manger.

CONSIDER:

  1. How much of your Christmas celebration is focused on Christ as compared to all of the other “trappings” of Christmas?
  2. How do some of the traditions of Christmas distract both believers and unbelievers from the true meaning of Christmas?
  3. What can you do to help promote the truth of Christmas and help others see its real meaning?

APPLICATION:

Let the truth of Christmas add real meaning to the holiday season!

 

 
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