God in the Flesh

Saturday, 25 December 2010

• God in the Flesh

  This time of year brings controversy among Christian people.  Should we celebrate Christmas or not?  We have been thinking about this issue for many years and have come to some conclusions this Christmas season.  We are not told in the scriptures to celebrate Jesus' birth, especially on this particular day.  However, in Luke 2:8-20, we find (this is my simplified version) that mulititudes of angels and shepherds were extremely overjoyed by the birth of this very special baby!  The news was so great that they wanted to spread it abroad.  This was a time of celebration for many people (read the whole 2nd chapter).  Was it just the fact that a baby was born?  No, it was the fact that God came down to earth in the flesh.  He came in the flesh to save people's souls, to redeem mankind, to fulfill the Old Testement.  What would life be like for us if this event would not have happened?
  *we would not know the true loving and caring nature of the Father
  *there would be no plan of salvation - no New Testement
  *we would still be sacrificing lambs, bulls, and goats whose blood could never take away our sins
  *there would be no Christian Charities doing great work in the name of Jesus.
  *there would no assurance of eternal life, no promise to meet our loved ones who have passed before us.
  *no beatitudes, and all the other wonderful scriptures that give us life and guidance on how to live a joy-filled, victorious life.
  *the list can go on and on.  Take a look at the Old Testement and that is how we would be living.
  God's love for us is so great He sent His son to live on this earth for 32 years.  He allowed him to die on the cross for the ultimate sacrifice so our sins can be forgiven.  Jesus changed the world and left for us an example on how we are to pattern our lives!  I believe that is reason to celebrate!  Not only during this season, but year round.  We are not to worship all the "trimmings" that our society has attached to the birth of Christ, nor add false teachings like Santa Claus and reindeer delivering gifts, but to remember it for what it is and rejoice, as the angels, shepherds and people did at that time - singing glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men. A Savior was born and His name is JESUS!  Let's take this time to spread the good news and let people know the real reason for celebration!
  Until next time......