Christmas Is About Jesus
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
-- John 1:1
As I started out the door, my Dad inquired as to where I was headed so early in the morning. "Bible study," I replied. He shook his head. "This week? I'd have thought they'd have canceled it." Yes, well, that's the view of most people it seems.
I'm thankful I attend a church that doesn't cancel Bible study the week we also celebrate Jesus' birthday. I am appalled at how Christmas has increasingly become a retail extravaganza rather than the religious celebration it really is. We're so busy enjoying Santa Claus that we've forgotten that the real star of the day is Jesus Christ.
I'm guilty, too. I love to buy gifts and bake and do all those celebration things. It's only in recent years that I've determined to attend church -- no matter the distractions or guests -- on Christmas Eve. It's just important. It helps focus my mind on what Christmas is all about.
It's about a baby that came to save you and me and to reconcile us with God. He lived a perfect life as He grew, taught and, then, died a cruel death as He bore your sins and mine. Then He rose three days later, defeating death forever. It's an amazing story of love. How can we overlook that?
So, yes, I went to Bible study today. And then I went to a holiday luncheon. And later I wrapped presents. I recently did a painting that showed baby Jesus underneath the Christmas tree. God's gift to us, all wrapped in a manger scene. The first Christmas gift. Emmanuel. God with us. Happy Birthday, Jesus!
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