A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

Well, it’s the week before Christmas and I definitely know you are busy. I want to thank your for taking the time out of your busy schedule to attend your 24/7, week long, online church service. You all know by now everyone is welcome in this place.

Christmas is a time the early church picked out to observe the birth of Jesus. The Bible doesn’t give a date or month in which Jesus was born, but most scholars agree it wasn’t in December. Luke 2:7-8 confirms this conclusion. Talking about Mary the scripture states:

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.”

You know, as a child I used to love listening to the song “Away in a Manger.” Sad to say, unless you listen to Christian radio, you probably won’t hear it this year. Radio and television had rather play Frosty the Snowman and Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer than music that refers to the Son of God. That is also true of most public schools.

It seems as time goes by, the things of this world such as Santa Claus, his elves, shopping and the glitter of decorations and Christmas trees, the giving of gifts have all pushed Jesus to the side of the road, doesn’t it? Verse 8 of the above scripture talks about shepherds abiding in the field watching over the sheep at night. Chances are, that would be in late summer or early fall. In the cold of December shepherds brought the sheep in to covered areas at night. One of these weeks I will tell you how December the 25th became the selected date, and how Christmas actually was originated. You may be surprised and shocked when I reveal the answer to you, so stay tuned.

I think it is safe to say everyday is the Lord’s day so if you choose to celebrate the birth of Jesus next week, please do it right. Make Jesus the center of your family and friend’s gatherings. I remember the family gatherings we would have on Christmas Eve. They are great memories for my wife Vicki and myself. Christmas Eve was when we did all our shopping for our kids and others. We would start early over breakfast at the mall. We would go over our list. Then Vicki would go her way with her list and I would go the other way with mine. We would meet every couple of hours and go over our progress, knowing we were running out of time as the children and their families would be coming over for our family gathering. This hectic schedule started when our kids were small and continued each year as they grew up and grandchildren took their place. There was never a dull moment at the Baker household.

I remember how excited everyone was as they entered our home. They brought in bags of gifts, smiling faces and the love only a close family can share. We enjoyed the fellowship, the holiday snacks and the laughter. But, my friends, it was always in our spirits that we desired to remember the birth of Jesus. Our desire was to lift up Jesus. We decided reading the Bible story of the birth of our Savior should be done before gift giving and our family tradition of drinking hot chocolate. You see, it is so important that Jesus be first, above all other things. The gifts we gave each other were fun, but the gift of God to us was his son, Jesus Christ, a Savior who would set us free from all bondages of sin and give us eternal life, IF only we would believe on him.

Everyone would sit all around our living room on the furniture and on the floor. My granddaughter, Rachel, now thirty years old, always had to sit first on my lap and later on, on the arm of my chair, looking at the Bible as I read about the birth of Jesus Christ. Upon completion of reading the Bible, I would ask each member of the family to answer a question – something like “What is the thing you are most thankful or grateful to God for in this past year?” My friends, you would be amazed at some of the answers. There would be laughter, tears, hugs and I know the love was great in that room because we put Jesus first. So, what are you saying, Bro. Bob?

I’m saying put Jesus first this Christmas season. Be the one at your family gathering to remind them to make Jesus the center of attention. God will bless you for it. Church, we are so blessed and thankful to have you in our online church family. God has placed you on our hearts. We love and appreciate you. Tell you what, gather around, my church family, relax, sit back, clear your mind of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Open your hearts and listen intently as I read the Bible story to you. I always start by saying even though we call it the Bible story of Jesus’ birth, it is not just a story at all, it is history and it is the truth. Let’s start in Luke 1:28-35:

“And the angel came in unto her, and said, HAIL, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: Blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, fear not, Mary: For thou has found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: And the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob forever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? (This shows Mary was a virgin). And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: Therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Now, let’s move over to Luke chapter 2. Joseph and Mary (who was very pregnant at the time), traveled by donkey from Galilee to Bethlehem, a distance of approximately eighty miles. Imagine how uncomfortable Mary was. Luke 2:6-14 states:

“And so it was, while they were there (Bethlehem) the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, low, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them: And they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them Fear not: For, behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

Now, how’s that for a history lesson? Thank you, my good church family, for allowing me to read God’s Word regarding the birth of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ, to you. I say to you now – go in peace and enjoy the holidays.

God Bless You,
Bro. Bob