This Christmas I’d like to return to the reason for the season and being a Christian, my view of Christmas is that it should be less materialistic and capitalistic. It’s a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and therefore we should move more towards keeping Christ in Christmas.
In the past where Christmas was more intimate with helping others and giving gifts to help one another and a time for thanks giving and sharing. It was more service oriented than a competition in giving. I’m not talking about lavish, expensive exchanges for gifts that come to be expected. It seems that today it has become more of a competition with the next gift giver and turned into a competitive race to out give or outspends one another. The market seems to promote this as well. This to me changes the true meaning of giving. The receiver cannot always reciprocate a gift of the same value or any gift at all for that matter.
My belief is based on the bible. As a Christian I am thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ because without the birth of Jesus Christ there would be no death, resurrection, assent ion, and remission of sin. Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God who came to pay the price for the sins of the world. This gives me reason to celebrate around this time. In more recent history we have come to celebrate Christmas using different symbols to remember this time.
Bells
Bells were used to call people together for important announcements. Also to call believers to worship and on Christmas rang to announce the birth of the Savior.
Luke 2:10-11- Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy…
Star
A star led the wise men to worship the King
Matthew 2:2- We saw his star in the east…
Lights/ Candles
Jesus the Light of the world.
John 8:12- I am the light of the world
Holly
Crown of thorns and drops of blood
Matthew 27:29- and then twisted together a crown of thorns
Evergreen Tree
Symbol of hope and eternal life. It stays green through winter, giving hope that spring is coming again. In the same way we hold on to the hope that Jesus Christ is coming again and we will have everlasting life in him.
Titus 2:13- While we wait for the blessed hope…
The colors Red & Green
We have talked about the Holly and the Evergreen Tree.
Red- Reminds us of Jesus bloodshed for us on Calvary
Hebrews 9:22- Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness
Green- Color of life, growth and hope
John 3:16- that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
2 Peter 3:18- But grow in the grace and knowledge of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Gifts
Wise men brought gifts and god gave the Greatest Gift of all, Jesus
Matthew 2:11- Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and incense and of myrrh.
Romans 6:23- But the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our lord.
Trumpet
Traditionally trumpets were blown to signal a great announcement and also to herald the coming of the king. It reminds us of the return of out king of kings.
Matthew 24:30-31… And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call…
Revelations 11:15- The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said… “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever.â€
In all of the hustle and bustle of this time of year, I encourage you to remember the TRUE reason for this season. Whether you are a Christian or a non Christian … Tis the Season and Happy Holidays from my family to yours!
A Special Merry SITSmas to all my SITStas over at The Secrets In The Sauce
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