It's Christmas "The Reason For The Season"

We in America have set aside December 25th of each year as the time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.  However, the Bible gives no specific date of  reference.  I believe that God honors our choice of dates because so much faith is release during the time that we call Christmas.  I believe that a special grace is released for joy, piece and good will at this time as well.

However, I would like to examine more closely, the reason and the season.   Shortly after Thanksgiving each year families begin to put up christmas trees and lights and all types of decorations signifying the observance of the holiday.  Almost on a daily basis you begin to hear "Merry Christmas" from family, friends, and strangers alike.  It's not long before you begin to make the same proclamation! 

A phrase that has been just as popular as Merry Christmas is the phrase "Jesus is the Reason for the Season".

And truly He is!

But if Jesus is the reason, then we must take a closer look at what Christmas really means.  The Bible states that Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost (meaning lost souls, or those seperated from God by sin. We all have sinned, and therefore stand in need of a redeemer).  Jesus was sent by God to die on the cross as a ransom for the sin of every individual.  This gospel is to be shared with every person on planet earth.  And at the conclusion of the message, every person is invited to accept what Jesus has done for him or her or reject it.  Acceptance means spending eternality in heaven, rejection means eternality in hell. 

So what Christmas means is a time of celebration (as christians) of having shared with others throughout the year the purpose of God through Christ Jesus.  December 25th is set aside as the time to celebrate our obedience to the "Great Commission".  Mark 16.

This brings us to the conclusion that the season must be all year long.  We are to observe the season all year as we share the gospel of Jesus Christ with others.  The season is perpetual as is the reason. 

So what do we say then to all these things?  We say put away your trees and decorations at the end of the year, but remember that the beginning of the new year ushers in a fresh start.  Perhaps you present the gospel in a new and fresh way, you become more persistent and focused in your efforts. But whatever you do, remember that the reason and season do not end come December 31st.

As a quick commentary, it appears that the world is one up on the body of Christ.   If you will note, most of the commericalization begins around mid summer.  Although their motives may be different from that of Christians, it appears that they understand that the season does not end come December 31st.

As Christians, let us continue to commerate the birth of Jesus on December 25th.  May it continue to be a time of great joy, gift giving and gathering with family and friends, but may it also serve as a reminder of the Reason for the Season (Jesus).   May Christmas also serve as a time of reflection, refreshing, and goal setting for soul winning for the new year.

Merry Christmas

Pastor Barbara

The Christian Analyst!