CHRISTMAS

It is most often a holiday focused on materialism - a 'justifiable' excuse to max out one's credit card. The birth of Christ might be mentioned, but the reason for His coming to this lost and dying world is kept at arm's length ... 

Jesus made himself of no reputation, took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:7-8)

To those who have received the gift of salvation, Christmas is a precious reminder of 'divine love' set in motion ... 

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17) 

True believers see it as the initial phase of God's redemptive plan. The 'baby Jesus' depicted in a manger scene fails to represent the entirety of who He is to those who know Him as Lord ... 

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. (Isaiah 9:6)  

If there is a true meaning of Christmas, it's ... LOVE

God loves you so much that He provided the only means by which your wayward soul could spend eternity with Him ...  But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

The 'incarnation' was a wondrous event ... well beyond our ability to fully comprehend: a mystery to be believed rather than defined. 

Receive Christ by grace through faith.

Merry Christmas, pilgrim.