December 24, 2020 – Click here to listen
Our calendar changed 2020 years ago with the birth of our Savior. We can only imagine how excited the wise men were as they observed the star shining down on Jesus as they approached the new born King who would change the entire world.
Times have changed and now we commemorate this Holy day by talking about Santa Claus and his magical reindeer flying through the night delivering presents and instead of laying presents at the feet of Christ we give them to each other. Satan has twisted the meaning of the celebration of Christ’s coming to celebrating each other.
He was removed from heaven like a falling star for just such thinking about himself.
This year the Covid plague and the election have put a damper on celebrations worldwide for most adults. Many folks are downright depressed and all they see around them is gloom and doom. That is true, but not for the kids. I talked briefly to two of my grandkids yesterday and trust me nothing has dampened their spirits. They are genuinely excited about Christmas and it reminded me of Jesus having an exchange with his followers. The disciples tried to turn the children away, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”
Why did Jesus want them to come to Him? I believe it was because He wanted to bless them. Scripture often compares believers to children. In fact, Jesus told those following Him, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven”
Like children who implicitly trust their parents, believers trust God. Faith is not about knowing everything or doing everything right. It is about knowing that no matter what happens, our Father will take care of us. That trust in Him, even when life is terrifying and sad and makes no sense, is what makes a believer like a child.
Jesus of course is the reason for the season, and we should focus on Him and not allow Satan to X Christ out of Christmas to be X-mas. Like little children we should cherish the opportunity to celebrate the coming of our Savior who gave His life for His children.
Remember all of Christ’s children, especially the poor and needy. Though we cannot lay gold, frankincense, and myrrh at the feet of the newborn Christ, we can give to Him in so many different ways. Mainly He wants our faith and with that comes love and with love comes compassion for those who are needy, especially those who need a personal relationship with Him.
Merry Christmas!
Acts 20:35
“In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.”