“Sing, O Daughter of Zion; shout aloud, O Israel…” – Zephaniah 3:14 (NLT)
Not everyone gets excited about Christmas! Some people actually dread it. They get little satisfaction from the glittering decorations, the holiday music irritates them, and they only half-heartedly participate in the gaiety of the season. Why does Christmas upset them? Negative personal experiences, family quarrels, unreasonable schedules, financial difficulties, etc., may rob them of the joy associated with the season.
Jesus came into the world to conquer that which would rob us of our joy – sin, death, and the power of satan. His love for us enables us to anticipate Christmas, which signifies His birth, with enthusiasm. He motivates us to sing and rejoice. Nothing can match the joy we express as we sing the meaningful lyrics and uplifting tunes of familiar Christmas carols and ponder the salvation of God, Who came down to rescue us. Our adrenaline should be high as we sing praises to God, Who has provided forgiveness of sins and eternal life to us.
The many activities that surround modern Christmas celebrations – attending concerts, buying gifts, making calls/sending messages, hanging lights, etc. – may cause us to throw up our hands in frustration, saying, “I can’t take it!” But God reveals the complete picture of Christmas in His Word in John 1:14, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (NKJV). This is God’s complete plan of salvation through Jesus Christ – the reason for the season.
Hebrews 10:5-10 says we cannot do God’s will no matter how pious our sacrifices are or how energetic our spiritual intent. But Christ kept God’s will and gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for the world’s sin. The celebration of Christmas reveals the Good News of God’s love, showered upon the sin-filled world at the birth of His Son. Christmas reminds us that God saved us through His Son’s birth (and eventual death and resurrection) since we could not save ourselves by our own works. So, let us celebrate His birth, which we call Christmas!
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus, my Saviour. I am forever grateful for His love. I will always praise and celebrate His coming to earth and give You thanks with singing and rejoicing at Christmas. Thank You, Lord.
Read: Luke 3:21-22; Philippians 4:7
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 147:12-20; Revelation 17; Nehemiah 3; Nehemiah 4
