LESSONS FROM THE MANGER
Why do we celebrate Christmas?
Is it just another time/opportunity/holiday to gather with friends and family, is it simply a time to exchange gifts, an opportunity to put up decorations, or just another jolly season? Whilst all these things are true, they speak to a far greater meaning to Christmas, beyond the festivities; Christmas represents the birth of Jesus Christ, and it ultimately signifies the beginning of God giving humanity a path to redemption.
The message of Christmas is simple and constant; its essence doesn’t change over time. Jesus has always been the reason for this season and will always be, and so this article is one to bring to the forefront of our mind’s lessons from “The Manger” that will entirely change our outlook and inspire us to celebrate Christmas with renewed understanding.
Love: Christmas reminds us of the love that God has for us in that He sent us His only Son so that we may be redeemed and not perish. We can mirror this by showing love that inspires action, taking a leaf from the ultimate gift giver, God.
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (KJV)
Promise: Christmas reminds us that God is a promise keeper. God made a promise to Abraham about the birth of Jesus Christ even though Abraham might have been unaware of the full scope of the promise.
Genesis 22:18 – “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.” (KJV)
Although the promise came to pass after many years, it was the answer to years of expectant waiting and separation from God. This kept promise is the reason to be grateful in all seasons.
Humility: The ultimate display of humility ever seen is the Creator of the entire world being born in a lowly manger. This highlights the importance of being humble as people that have been afforded the opportunity to have a relationship with the King of kings.
Joy: The joy we feel in this season mirrors that of the wise men and the shepherds when they heard of the news of the birth of Jesus Christ because it meant liberation by the Saviour. This is why Joy is and has always been an integral part of Christmas.
Luke 2:20 – “The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.” (NLT).
Hope: The culmination of the birth (Christmas), the death, and the resurrection (Easter) of Jesus Christ brings us hope and assurance that He will definitely come back again.
Even as we celebrate, let’s bear in mind the reason for all seasons and the answer to all things: Jesus. Jesus’ coming to the earth brought love, hope, and joy, so let’s not forget to spread all these in this season and far beyond. Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, show love in diverse ways and bring joy to someone, and above all, remind them that Jesus came for them in this season.
Merry Christmas!!!
FAITH AND FORGIVENESS
According to Wikipedia, Forgiveness involves wilfully putting aside feelings of resentment toward someone who has committed.
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