Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Written by Rev. Joseph Lee

Merry Christmas to all! What is merry about today as opposed to other days? Today is a celebration of the life of Jesus, born of the Virgin Mary. Although we celebrate Jesus’ birth in December, he was not actually born on the 25th of December. He was born close to the Passover which was in the Spring. 

We celebrate His birthday by giving gifts as the wise men traveled to give gifts to the Baby Jesus. We decorate our homes with bright lights to resemble the star of Bethlehem. There are many activities that may have nothing to do with Jesus birth, and yet many Christians say that Christmas is their most favorite time of year. 

Last night, my family and I attended a beautiful candlelight service at Berea Baptist Church, with Scripture readings leading up to Jesus’ birth. It was a beautiful service. My favorite song was sung by a friend’s daughter, Maddie Berkle. She did a fantastic job of singing “O Holy Night.” Why is this my favorite song? I was only 6 years old when I first heard this song. My Mom had an old broken record player. I put a record on the turn table and could only play about half the song until the player reset itself and started playing the beginning again! The gospel of Jesus was being presented to me even in half the song. I started to tear up and cry as the Holy Spirit was ministering to me and my heart. I was being drawn to Christ Jesus through the words and the music. 

Moving forward to today’s time of Christmas morning, Jesus is no longer in the cradle. Although we celebrate His birth, we also celebrate His life, His ministry, His death, and His resurrection. Jesus wasn’t born into the world to condemn the world. He was born into the world to save the world (Cf. John 3:17). He died for the redemption of our sins!  He took it all on His shoulders to that old rugged cross. “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

I pray that you will come to know the Living Savior, Jesus, the one and only Son of our Heavenly Father. Jesus is no longer in the cradle but is a Living Savior who wants a true relationship with you! Won’t you repent from your sins and believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved (Cf. Acts 16:31)?

Here is one last thought written in the 1800’s by Bishop J.C. Ryle. “Do you desire rest of soul, and yet know not where to turn for it? Remember this day, that there is only one place where it can be found. Governments cannot give it. Education will not impart it. Worldly amusements cannot supply it. Money will not purchase it. It can only be found in the hand of Jesus Christ, and to His hand you must turn, if you would find peace within.” – JC Ryle, Christmas Thoughts, pp. 22-23. 

Copyright December 25, 2022. Marketplace Evangelism Ministries Inc. All Rights Reserved.