Maybe it’s because I’m getting older and the years seem to go by faster, but does it seem like the Christmas season starts earlier every year? With all the shopping, traffic, trips to relatives houses and overall business of the season, it is easy to lose sight of why we have Christmas. So, why do we do all this running around for gifts? Have you ever thought about why we give gifts to each other during this season? Most of us have seen this Bible reference at some sort of sporting event, but have we looked it up or though about it. John 3:16, says, “For God so loved the world, that HE gave His only begotten Son”. The Christmas season is our time to remember and celebrate this gift that has been given to us and to show that love by giving to others. Here is the Biblical account of this gift that was given to us.
Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 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. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
So, this season, while passing out gifts and opening others, remember that Christmas is named for the Christ that gave the ultimate gift, HIS Son, for us. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year in 2013.
Eric Groves, COO
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