Monday, December 1, 2008

Christmas

The TRUE meaning of Christmas can be found in these important verses.

Luke 2:1-20
The Birth of Jesus


In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.


I think that I have memorized the story of Jesus' birth by now. And I even cry when I watch the Charlie Brown Christmas on T.V. and one of the children tell the Christmas story. Of course this holiday always hits me and us Christians really hard because it is the truth, the day we celebrate the birth, the beginning of life to this one person whom we call God. This man, through his spirit, makes me feel calm when the storm is brewing in my life. He comforts me when sad times approach. And He tells me not to feel alone, because He is always with me. On December 25th (which is not the real birth date of his birth) I celebrate the "coming of my king".
We may not have alot of money for what the world calls Christmas. But I have alot in my heart to give to my Lord on the day we celebrate him.
I think of the way I am on my birthday. How most can be on their birthday. We can kinda act a little self fish...wanting it all to be about us. It is OUR day right? Hmmmm what happens on Jesus' birthday? Don't we all wake up (some of us really early in the morning), and look under a tree in our house and see ALOT of presents? It is not our birthday! It is Jesus'. But yet, because us Christians believe that everything we have is from God himself and we would not have anything without Him, God gives US presents on HIS birthday.....pretty interesting in my book!

I am saddened this year about Christmas though. I miss my old church this year. Seeing everyone at the holidays....I miss it. But also, I am saddened about the selfishness that the world is when it comes to presents. To gifting people with expensive toys and gifts. It is not what it is about. I mean, a nice present is nice and all, but I am looking forward to the time I get to spend with my family.
Someone I love asked this question a few weeks ago. "What do you like Thanksgiving? It is Christmas that has the presents!"
My answer:
I love thanksgiving because there is not pressure of what you are getting others. It is just about family, love and being thankful for what you have on that day. It is not about material things, it is about your relationships and your love for others.

I want to end this post with my most favorite Christmas song.
Please go to it.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqAJJyuyPno

Here are the lyrics

A poor orphan girl named maria
Was walking to market one day
She stopped for a rest by the roadside
Where a bird with a broken wing lay
A few moments passed till she saw it
For its feathers were covered with sand
But soon clean and wrapped it was travelling
In the warmth of marias small hand
She happily gave her last peso
On a cage made of rushes and twine
She fed it loose corn from the market
And watched it grow stronger with time
Now the christmas eve service was coming
And the church shone with tinsel and light
And all of the townfolks brought presents
To lay by the manger that night
There were diamonds and incense And perfumes
In packages fit for a king
But for one ragged bird in a small cage
Maria had nothing to bring
She waited till just before midnight
So no one would see her go in
And crying she knelt by the manger
For her gift was unworthy of him
Then a voice spoke to her through the darkness
Maria, what brings you to me
If the bird in the cage is your offering
Open the door and let me see
Though she trembled, she did as he asked her
And out of the cage the bird flew
Soaring up into the rafters
On a wing that had healed good as new
Just then the midnight bells rang out
And the little bird started to sing
A song that no words could recapture
Whose beauty was fit for a king
Now maria felt blessed just to listen
To that cascade of notes sweet and long
As her offerings was lifted to heaven
By the very first nightingales song

Merry Christmas!

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