We come to a very busy time of the year. Always lots to do! Presents to buy, food to cook, friends and family to invite.
But what is the celebration supposed to be about? That's an important question!
It's not about consuming alcohol. It's not about time off work, it's not about eating till we burst either. So what is the celebration?
Matthew 1:21-25
21 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.
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son: and he called his name Jesus.
It’s about God coming down to be with men!
It’s about reconciliation, mercy and love.
The 25th December is a very unlikely date for Jesus to have been born, yet be sure of this, any day is a good day to celebrate that momentous event! Jesus translates as 'Saviour' and Emmanuel as 'God with us'.
Many were unaware of His coming, it made no impact on their lives - they were too busy, uninterested even.
Yet others got very excited when they knew Christ had arrived on the scene of time.
How does that news affect you 2000 years after the event? Too busy to consider it? Perhaps it is of little or no interest to you? Or are you like the wise men who went to great lengths to find Him and immediately recognised His value? Shepherds in the fields - just ordinary men on the night shift, had their lives turned upside down when heaven opened to them and spoke the good news of The Lord Jesus Christ.
My prayer for you this season is that you may search and find Christ - born to die that we might live!
Much love from us all here at Grand Hall Christian Fellowship. We wish you all much blessing on the run up to the celebration of the greatest event in history. Whatever else you miss out on this holiday season, please do not miss out on the message of the gospel: God with us - the one who came to seek and to save that which was lost.
Love and blessings Pastor John