What is Christmas?
To many it is the day we exchange gifts for one another. But in truth it is the day that we celebrate the day that God spoke and the world heard a baby cry - the biggest thing that God ever said.
"And there were shepherds in the same country abiding in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock. And an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this is the sign unto you: Ye shall find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, and 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 among men in whom he is well pleased." Luke 2:8-14, ASV.
On this day the invisible, immortal, omnipotent creator of the universe became a human being:
"who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross." Philippians 2:6-8, ASV.
God became man.
"Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, And they shall call his name Immanuel; which is, being interpreted, God with us." Matthew 1:23, ASV.
The Eternal stepped out of eternity into time, and made himself just as much as we are worth apart from him - nothing. Yet he didn't come to live, but to die and he would 33 years later on a Roman cross.
But not all received his coming. Indeed as King Herod of Judea would inquire about the "King of Jews":
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men. Then was fulfilled that which was spoken through Jeremiah the prophet, saying, A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children; And she would not be comforted, because they are not." Matthew 2:16-18, ASV.
Not all receive him today, for they are still about the Devil's ancient work of destroying the Christ Child. The secular organizations of this Country that seek to erase the name of Christ from Christmas.
"He came unto his own, and they that were his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:" John 1:11, 12, ASV.
So on this day remember that while the world by and large celebrates lip service and indifference to the Creator who became man, those of us who have believed on His name and have received Him have much to remember and celebrate today!
Merry Christmas!
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