STOCK IMAGE OF CHRISTMAS/PIXABAY

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, as the song goes. It’s a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate good cheer and tasty food. Christmas is coming and so are the mountains of presents, endless parties and of course the arrival of Santa. But what about the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Sadly, many have replaced Jesus with Santa Claus, the three wise men with elves, and giving and getting gifts instead of acknowledging the REAL reason for the season.

Long before God created the world, He had a plan for a fallen and sinful people. 1 Peter 1:18-20 tells us, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world…” Did you catch that! BEFORE the creation of the world God had YOU on His mind.

It’s easy to get caught up in all the glitter and festivities but I hope you understand the magnitude of what our Lord has done for YOU. Yes, Jesus is the ‘reason for the season,” but the reason for the reason is YOU. God Loves you! Consider it. With all your obstinacy, with all your ugliness, with all your selfishness, God…. Still…. Loves….You! God Loves you and sent His only Son to die for you.

Christmas is all about light coming into a dark world, this world of death and despair and hatred and violence. Jesus has come to guide us into a peaceful relationship with God and others by taking our penalty for sin…death.

You see, Christmas is all about Christ, and Christ is all about YOU! I hope this Christmas season you will take time to accept His free gift of salvation. I pray you ask Him to come into your heart to be your Lord and Savior. I pray that you allow His light to shine through you not just this Christmas season but daily throughout the year. I pray you and your loved ones enjoy this coming Christmas by experiencing Christ like you never have before.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!