It is December, and that means that Christmas is right around the corner. The temperature is dropping (for most states at least), Christmas lights are up, Christmas trees are set up, presents are under the tree, Christmas parties are in full swing, hot chocolate is ready to be made, families are coming together, lots of food is being prepared and children everywhere are anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival. There are so many things that we associate with Christmas time, but we have to remember the real reason for the season.
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." Isaiah 9:6-7
The real reason for the season goes all the way back to when a little baby boy was born in a manger in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. This little baby that was born was sent by God to be our Savior. He is God's son. This baby boy would grow up to live a sinless life. Later in his life, he would die on the cross for our sins and then rise again.
"This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found out to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.' All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' - which means, 'God with us.' When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord has commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus." Matthew 1:18-25
The perfect gift came into the world that day: Jesus. Jesus gave us the gift of having a relationship with God and the chance to spend eternity in heaven with him.
Why did God send his son to the earth to then die on the cross for our sins? Because He loves us more than I can even describe. God wanted us to have a relationship with him, and the only way to do that is to have a relationship with Jesus.
How do you have a relationship with Jesus? You admit to God that you are a sinner. That you realize that you have messed up. You believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and that God sent him to die on the cross for our sins. Then you confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior to the world. If you believe this with all of your heart, then you will spend eternity in heaven with God.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
The reason for the season is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and everything he did for us. He loves us so much that he was willing to sacrifice his own life in order for us to have a relationship with God. So when life gets hectic this Christmas season, do not forget to pause and remember the real reason for the season.
