Christmas is a sacred moment set aside by Christians around the world to remember the birth of Jesus Christ—the hope for humankind.
What does Christmas mean to you and me? Christmas is a day set aside by Christians all over the world to commemorate the birth of Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ – the Hope for humankind. Isaiah 9:6-7 says: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” This child born at Christmas, our Eternal Hope, became the Son of God in whom our Creator invested much honour and power so that we might be happy in His presence. Christmas is a time to give and a time to show love, forgiveness, kindness and compassion.
Christmas is a time for sober reflection, not only on the benefits of Christmas but also on our unworthy past. Indeed, love was born at Christmas. John 13:34 says that our love for Christ Jesus is the basis of our love for one another. Therefore, as Christians, we should love our neighbours as ourselves. We should let love be uppermost in our heart because all our doing without love is nothing. Christmas is a clear proof that Jesus Christ is love, for love was born at Christmas. We are all love’s products – the sons and daughters of love. In Mark 11:25-26 it is clearly stated that a person who does not forgive cannot receive God’s mercy and favour because forgiveness is the bridge to our future.
Therefore, as you go about celebrating this Christmas, make sure you forgive those who have offended you, because forgiveness was born at Christmas. People of God, remember the Bible says when our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was born, gifts and offerings began to pour in from far and near. Thus, giving became the very basis of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no love that does not express itself in giving. People of God, as we go about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Eternal Hope, let us see it as an opportunity to love our neighbours as ourselves and to share what we have with others. Jesus Christ is the reason for this season. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Emmanuel!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, fill my home this season with Your unending love and give me the heart to forgive and to love my neighbours as myself, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.