I know, this is an odd time to talk about suffering and sorrow;  this is the season of joy and good cheer - it is a time of visions and sugar plumbs;  but people do suffer at Christmas - people die. For multitudes,  this is the saddest season of all.  But "What A Friend we Have in Jesus."  For the next few minutes I want to share with you:
                                   "THE DEEPER MEANING OF CHRISTMAS"
There was a reason for Jesus descent into the world of humanity - and here it is:   "That He (Jesus) Might Destroy him that had the Power of Death, that is, the Devil."  Christ gave up His glory to become man,  He regained His glory when He arose and ascended to heaven.  Now He shares that glory with all who trust Him for salvation. The "Deeper Meaning of Christmas" is found in Hebrews 2: 9-10.  "But we see Jesus ... etc." 
 
The central truth of Christmas is that "God took upon Himself human flesh."  We Christian know this,  yet we have a serious problem, for it is obvious that man is not exercising dominion over creation as God said we should.  Note what He said in Genesis 1:26   - 28 (Read).  God made man in His own image - man was to have dominion ... ".. over every creeping thing.." "God created man in His own image .. and have dominion over every living thing..."
 
The major reason we don't experience the magnetism of Jesus is:  "We have raised the Cross on the steeple of the Church, and not the market place."  If we are to be better people for celebrating Christmas this year,  it will be because the Christ of Christmas lives within our hearts.  There is not enough darkness in all the world to put out the light of one candle.  When a candle is lighted, darkness goes away, and a touch of  wonder remains. 
 
As we review Hebrews 2: 7-10,  we cannot help but be amazed at the grace and wisdom of God.  It was this very act of Grace that made possible our salvation and all that goes with it.  Jesus accomplished something the angels could never accomplish;  He made it possible for us to share in His glory.  He is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters - are we ashamed to call Him Lord?  This is "The Deeper Meaning of Christmas."
 
><)))>  In "HIS" Service
Bro. Roy
 
 

PRAYER Rx --- December 25

Dear Lord Jesus, slow me down and help me to take time, especially today, to think of the true meaning of Christmas - to experience its peace, to feel its love, to taste its joy, to read of Your birth, to sing of that first silent and holy night. ... Christmas will be what I make it. As for my family and me, help us to make it Your day, Lord.

In Your holy name I pray.

Amen.

 

© 2000 by D. L. Hammond, Permission to copy granted for noncommercial use.