Christmas IS Jesus

 Christmastime is here! 

With all the busyness of this season, don't forget that Christmas is Jesus. If you take away all the presents, the lights, tinsel, bells, trees, yard blow ups, and parades, you'll still have a good God who sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. After Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph took him to the temple according to the law. Simeon was a man who had been waiting for the Messiah, and he was in tune with God. When he saw Jesus, he said, "Mine eyes have seen thy salvation which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel." (Luke 2:30-32) A light to lighten the Gentiles......the revelation of God to sinful man has already happened, and thank God that he included the Gentiles, amen? How did Simeon know that was going to happen? Prophecy. Isaiah 11:10 - "And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious."

Isaish 42:6 - "I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles." 

Isaiah 49:6 - ..."I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be salvation unto the ends of the earth."

Christmas is about redemption. The only reason we even have Christmas is because of the cross. Jesus was born to die. For ALL people. For those people who say that Jesus's blood is limited, Luke 2:10 records, "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." No one's left out, no one's an exception.

 Jesus came the first time, as a lamb - the Lamb of God, to give people a chance to get ready for his second coming. The next time he'll come as a lion and there will be no more chances. Satan's not opposed to religion. Religion is sending lots of people to hell. He's opposed to Jesus Christ and the gospel that can save them from that horrible place. Thousands of people are travelling down the 'religion' road. They greet each other with a "merry Christmas!" But how can they have a merry Christmas without knowing Jesus? Friend, how can you have a merry Christmas if you don't know Jesus? The fact is you can't because Jesus IS Christmas. Don't let a new year come without making sure you know the Jesus of Christmas. 

Light and life to all his brings, risen with healing in his wings. Mild he lays his glory by, born that man no more may die, born to raise the sons of earth, born to give us second birth.