Christ Mass

Man I love this time of year!  The Christmas tree. The lights, the presents! Who doesn't love presents? And there is always so much to do! The parties, the shopping. Wrapping the gifts and the eager anticipation of will they like it?

But amidst all of the back and forth and hustle and bustle it is important to take time out to remember why we celebrate December the 25th. It's not just so we can give and receive gifts. It's the day we stop to remember the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Luke 2:6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the Inn.

Now we know and understand that December 25th was most likely not the actual birthday of Jesus. The calendar as we know it now was not developed until 1582. But getting the exact day right is not the point. It's the day we celebrate his birth. It's the day we celebrate God loving us so much he sent his only Son to be born of a woman so that whoever believed in him would not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

That is why we celebrate it.

I would encourage you to read the first two chapters of Luke. To get the full nativity story and as you read it, consider the time and the location this took place and just try to imagine the conditions. It's an amazing story.

As you gather around your tree Christmas morning, pause and remember why you are there.

Press on, fight the good fight, as a Soldier for Christ.

Merry Christmas.