Luke 2: 8-14
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, 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, good will toward men.”
The true message of Christmas is that Eternal God came to earth in the form of a man in order to save His own creation.
This special time of year is upon us again. Christians have a resolute understanding of why we celebrate Christmas. Additionally, no matter where on the spectrum of faith we all may be, It’s a time to reflect on all we have, the people in our lives, and remember those no longer with us. Be thankful for your health and good fortunes, and be mindful that mercy and goodwill are not things found wrapped beneath a Christmas tree, for they reside in the heart.
Christianity teaches us that Jesus’s atoning sacrifice is pure and divine love. It also informs us we have free will ,and the human heart of man can choose to swell with darkness or light. The miracle of Christmas is about restoration and hope. All restoration offers healing, but only when one floods their heart with light. May we all seek out the peacemakers who best reflect the wonder of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, goodwill, reason, and kindness.
This season also covers the world in a blanket of uncertainty. Humanity is once again struggling with a loss of trust in our institutions, economic hardships, war, and a loss of deep connections with one another. We have seen unfortunate events in the past darken the doorway of our great nation, things that seemed insurmountable to people who endured them. But like our ancestors, we must persevere and champion those who rise to meet these challenges we face now. May the season and the New Year bring success and happiness in everything we do and infuse humanity with the wisdom of our better angels.
In a world that often feels overwhelming and contentious lean on him…
John 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 11: 28-30
” Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Christians know all have the capacity to express their light to illuminate the darkest crevices and be the beacon that leads one to strength and purpose.
This year, enjoy the bounty beneath your Christmas tree, but more importantly, appreciate the people around it. Absorb their light and take hold …steady yourself in the cast of love shown and heal one another. But do not harbor your glow in a hidden cove – lift your sails too. May your smiles double and your sorrows vanish. May your personal journey to find success and happiness center on facilitating others’ quest to do the same.
Matthew 1: 21
“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.”
Christians believe Christ walked this earth as a man to enlighten humanity to absolutes that give life and the afterlife meaning. For a Christian, the only way to individual salvation is to believe in Jesus’s birth as the son of God who died for our sins and is our savior, ” the only way to the father is through the son.” Perhaps a bridge between seculars and people of faith can be that we may all agree on two thoughts. First, love is inconceivably selfless, irrepressible, unconditional, and the purest highest form of self-actualization. Love is our unique light. And the second is that the meaning of Christmas remembers a greater purpose inside each of us.
Light cascades through tree branches, seeps through door jambs, dances across the sands, and is always meant to be shared. It binds us to our internal and external existence.
Christmas additionally to many is about tenderness for the past, courage for the present, and hopefulness for the future.
God Bless, and remember, you’re never too old to search the skies on Christmas Eve. After all, Santa’s sleigh and the Christmas Star are not mutually exclusive.
Merry Christmas!
