Our Message is JESUS: For He Shall Save His People From Their Sins
Matthew 1:21-23 - “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
[22] Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, [23] Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Christmas Eve holds a special place in the hearts of many, as it marks the beginning of the joyous Christmas celebrations. In the Philippines, families come together to share in a grand feast, eagerly counting down the minutes until the clock strikes twelve.
The air is filled with excitement and anticipation as loved ones exchange gifts and revel in the festive spirit. As per tradition, each person is asked to open one gift right after midnight, adding to the thrill and joy of the following festivities. The rest of the gifts are opened the next day as the celebrations continue.
During the Christmas season, there are numerous customs and rituals that people follow. However, sometimes, these traditions can obscure the real essence of Christmas. One such tradition that has become quite popular over the years is the myth of Santa Claus.
Children eagerly await his arrival, but his existence often leads to confusion. Parents often perpetuate this myth by lying to their children about Santa Claus to add more thrill and excitement to the celebration.
Telling the children a different story than the true meaning of a celebration can be deceitful. This can lead to feelings of confusion and doubt about God. Instead of creating another narrative, it is important to instill in their young minds the true significance of the occasion, which is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
As Christians, we need to hold firm to the truth about the birth of Christ and not participate in traditions that deny His reality. Rather than engaging in a combative approach towards those who celebrate differently, we should strive to focus on the joyous celebration of Jesus Christ.
By sharing His message with those with differing beliefs, we can plant the seed of faith in their hearts. It is through this gentle and loving approach that we can make a difference in the lives of others.
Let us stay focused on sharing the true message of the season instead of giving in to the world's distractions and controversies. We cannot afford to miss out on the valuable opportunity to magnify the life and message of our Savior.
Our Prayer for today:
Dear Lord,
May this Christmas season be a celebration of You. Sometimes, we may find ourselves reacting to those who don't believe in You and getting involved in controversies instead of taking the opportunity to share the Gospel with the lost. Please remind us that our message is Your gospel, which brings hope and forgiveness to all. In Jesus Name. Amen!