Joy and Jesus

It's just about that time of year again when nationwide the light shines on the Great light which is Jesus. (Isaiah 9:1-6) What joy it is to celebrate the fact that our Savior, Christ Jesus was born. Fact, no one alive knows His exact birthdate but Glory to God a day was set in place to honor Him and what took place thousands of years before you and I were even born. Two holy holidays shine a light on Him and what He came to do and what His death and resurrection means to believers.

There are many that don't know the full story (The Truth) surrounding the Savior, His birth, His ministry, His death and His Resurrection. Greed and commercialism often overshadows what we really should be putting light on. The real Gift is Christ. I am not saying there is anything wrong with childhood Christmas memories and or even recreating some of those memories in decorating your home for the holidays. There is nothing wrong with watching holiday parades, Christmas movies, cartoons and the holiday specials that we loved growing up. Just don't forget about Jesus and the fact that He made an entrance into the world to ultimately give His life a sacrifice for man. Never let Jesus be on the outside of your life rather have Him on the inside always and be not ashamed to share Him with others. Tell others what He did and why He came in the flesh via the virgin, Mary. Yes, I pack my home with Christmas stuff especially those things that remind me of my childhood Christmases. It brings me so much joy and it stirs my insides thinking about Christmases with both my parents, both sets of my grandparents, my aunts, uncles and cousins. The memories are priceless but as I aged I realized more that the greater emphasis should be on God and us acknowledging and rejoicing that He chose to put on flesh (John 1:14) and enter this world with the plan to save man.

Sin is real and there was a payment due for it; a sacrifice had to be made unlike the blood of bulls and goats that was only a temporary covering for sin whereas the shed blood of Jesus is a permanent covering and full payment for the sins of believers therefore there is no longer need for repeated blood sacrificing. (Hebrews 10:1-12)

Everyday I am reminded of the sacrifice Christ made on my behalf and as a believer I believe I am covered under His blood sacrifice. His blood has done for me what the blood of  animal sacrifices could not do sufficiently. Jesus was pure and without sin. Jesus was the adequate sacrifice. In Him was righteousness, ours is like filthy rags. Jesus bridged the gap between me and God and not just for me but for all who believe. Jesus sanctifies, justifies and redeems.(1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Salvation is in and through Him for He said no man comes to the Father but by me. (John 14:6)

The other holy holiday that reflects what Christ came to do after His birth and ministry is the observance of His death resurrection. We rejoice with gladness in the Salvation that we have through Him. (John 3:16-17)He didn't have to do it but He did. He owed us nothing but extended to us His Grace and Mercy in what He did.

When I decorate during this time of the year I be sure to have visuals in my home of the one I am grateful to and for my salvation. I honor and give Glory to God, my Savior, and Lord. 

Happy Holidays and Decorating!!!!

God Loves you!

John 3:16-17

Romans 5:8

Ephesians 2:8-9