Thursday, December 11, 2014

Celebrating Christmas – Part 2


Michael writes: People-centered messages glorify the secular American dream. However the Word of God says “seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you” – Matthew 6:33.  Our joy and rejoicing is not in the blessings, but rather in the Blessor. The best Christmas does not celebrate the gifts of “Christmas presents”. Rather, the best Christmas celebrates the “Christmas presence” of God in Christ in us. For our fellowship is with our Father, His son Christ Jesus, and one with another in the household of saints. God through Jesus Christ has called us to give up the comforts of carnality – fleshly lust, or desires, or the indulgence of those lusts; sensuality; grossness of mind or desire; love of sensual pleasures. Instead of comfort in the flesh, He has sent the true Comforter, the Holy Spirit, so that we could live in intimate communion with Him. 

The world view of "Vanity Faire" is diametrically opposed to the Word's view of "fairest Lord Jesus."  Jesus of Southern California (or wherever you live) is the exact opposite of Jesus of Nazareth.  It's not about me, it's about Him. I must decrease that he might increaseJohn 3:30.  The true gospel is life about changing from the inside out.  Sanctification means to divide and separate...  to set apart for the purpose intended by the Designer. We are the result of his Devine Design. In Him we live and move and have our being – Acts 17:28 ...  For we are his workmanship, his masterpiece, his poem, his magnum opus created in Christ Jesus unto good works according to the path which he has prepared in advance for us to walk in fellowship with him – Ephesians 2:10

The spirit of Christmas is the spirit of the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the advent season is that the advent of Christ would arise in our hearts ... that we would be conformed, not to this world, but rather be transformed by the renewing of our minds that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of GodRomans 12:2.
Only one life to live will soon be passed, only that which is done in Christ will last.  For this light affliction which is but for a moment  worketh in us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory – 2 Corinthians 4:17. As we celebrate this Christmas season, may we remember the reason for the season: that unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called wonderful counselor ...  prince of peace.

May the day star arise in your hearts and may God richly bless you during this Advent season as we celebrate the birthday of our Lord.
Your brother in Christ, Michael

2 comments:

Susan said...

Although I agree with those who say Christmas is of pagan origin, I think that this time of year people are slightly more receptive to hearing about Jesus (although that door seems to be closing), so we can use this opportunity for Christ, in season and out of season, eh? I love the lights and festivities myself, it is a joyous time to remember that Jesus came to us, a miracle, and THE most precious gift 😘

Brian Ray Todd said...

I've heard a couple explanation for the origin of the December 25th date for Christmas. Christmas (Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed generally on December 25th as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world. I agree that the point is not the "when" or the "why" of December 25th, but the "Who", Jesus Christ, the Blessed Redeemer of mankind, the Savior of the world, celebrating Immanuel - God with us! The promised Messiah, the Christ sent by God for forgiveness and salvation came to dwell among us - God, Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth, incarnate; not a force or some power, but in the flesh. That is something to celebrate! It is my pray that His light shine in the darkness of sin, ignorance and unbelief, that many may come to a "saving" knowledge of Jesus Christ, who time is measured by - A.D. - "Anno Domini", which translates to "the Year of Our Lord." Thank you for the great comment and Merry Christmas.