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Matthew 1:25, Luke 1:31, 2:21
What does Christmas mean to you?
In brief, this is what Christmas means to me.
Christmas is a very special time for Christians because we recognize and remember the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. A Savior who would redeem us from sin and show us the way to obtain eternal life. One reason I think we give gifts to one another in the spirit of giving is because the wise men brought Jesus gifts when he was born, maybe like a birthday present.
The greatest gift of all was when God sent forth His Son, made of a woman (Gal 4:4) and born of a virgin, that through Jesus we could see the love of God manifested and feel the warmth of His love, His mercy and His grace in our hearts.
At Christmas time I think of frost, a stable, sleigh bells, carols, shepherds and sheep, angels, snowball fights, presents, pine trees, family gatherings & friends, a break from school and a lot of other traditions and fun things. When I think of the Christmas story, I remember the wonderful name of Jesus that was given to a newborn baby boy.
“Thous shalt call his name JESUS”
…And called his name, JESUS.
Matthew 1:25, Luke 1:31, 2:21
It makes me realize that I could never ask for anything more, that I would be counted worthy to receive such a gift as Gods only begotten Son, and to be included as a child of God. I give thanks, honor and glory to the Father for such a perfect and precious gift. A little baby boy who through the fullness of time, is leading his people safely home as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I realize I need a Savior because there are some things I just can’t do on my own.
This brings me tidings of comfort and joy and I think that is what Christmas means to me.
Christmas to me is a unique time for giving and forgiving, for Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.
While there were no rooms for Jesus in the Inn, the innkeeper offered a gift of a stable for Mary and Joseph to rest. It was a warm safe place for Jesus to be born. It reminds me of the time when I first gave my heart to Jesus and made room for Him.
There is a post around here somewhere by Juantoo3, that speaks of how God gave us the gift of life and in return we offer our life back to God as a gift.
{What we are, is God's gift to us, what we make of ourselves is our gift to God}
I think deep inside this is what God really wants.
Over the next couple of weeks, I thought it would be nice to discuss the Christmas story once again, starting with the prophecy of Isaiah and taking another peek at the story as told by Luke from chapters 1 and 2.
As time permits, we can look at Matthew, if you want to, and the other scriptures that tell us about the birth of Jesus.
I wanted to wait until Lunamoth gets back before starting. I hope she will find our discussion pleasant & be back in our company soon.
Giving special thanks to Brian and all the moderators for allowing us the opportunity to do this here at CR. Everyone is invited to celebrate with us, even if you celebrate it differently.
I pray this will be a blessing for everyone as we remember the things that tell us Christmas is here, while gathering together around the manger in Bethlehem at the very first Christmas.
Special times, Carols and memories that you like to recall?
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What does Christmas mean to you?