Merry Christ's Mass

Luke 2:6-14 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

Christmas (Old English “Crīstesmæsse, meaning “Christ’s Mass”) is an annual commemoration of the nativity (time, place and manner of birth) of Jesus Christ, a holiday celebrated on December 25^th by billions of people around the world. December 25 had already been identified by Sextus Julius Africanus in AD 221 as the day on which Christmas would be celebrated, and it was celebrated in Rome by AD 336. During the Middle Ages Christmas became extremely popular, and various liturgical celebrations of the holiday were established. The practice of exchanging gifts had begun by the 15th century. In Dutch it is pronounced Kerstmis, in Latin Dies Natalis (the day of birth), whence comes the French word Noël. President Ulysses S. Grant declared Christmas a legal national holiday in 1870. The bill to make Christmas a holiday was introduced into the House of Representatives by Rep. Burton Chauncey Cook (Illinois). It was approved and passed to the Senate on June 24, 1870. When both houses had agreed on the wording, it was passed on to President Grant, who signed it into law on June 28, 1870. 

Don’t be afraid to say “Merry Christmas”. It’s a legal national holiday in America. Also, the word holiday is derived from the notion of "Holy Day". The national celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world is only politically incorrect and offensive to those who are perishing in their sin. So Jesus Christ is exactly what the world needs and His gospel of salvation is exactly what the world needs to hear. Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King! This season is not about a baby; it's about the coming of the Lord and Savior of all, God incarnate (God with skin on), Emmanuel (God among us). Rejoice!

Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end.

Merry Christmas! Brian