What comes to mind when you think of “Christmas”? Is it family and friends? shopping for gifts? wrapping presents? buying a tree, decorating the house? Sometimes we get so “wrapped up” in the worldly celebration of Christmas that we forget the very reason we celebrate.
The Latin root for “Christmas” is “natalis”, which means “birth”. Christi Natalis = the birth of Christ, which is also the standard for which we determine time. "A.D." stands for anno domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord,” and refers specifically to the birth of Jesus Christ. "B.C." stands for "Before Christ." In English, it is common for "A.D." to precede the year, so that the translation of "A.D. 2021" would read "in the year of our Lord 2021."
Matthew 1:23-25 – “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.” Luke 2:11 - “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Isaiah 9:6 - “For unto us a child is born … and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Christmas is about Christ. Be careful that the guy with the white beard and red suit doesn't become more than just “a helper who distributes all of Jesus’ birthday gifts.” Santa and Satan are spelled with the same letters, only twisted around. It’s all about Who and how you choose to celebrate. Lyrics: It's a house full of noise 'cause the family is all in town; it's an attic full of toys so the kids won't find out; the smell of cookies in the oven; a mistletoe kiss; it’s an empty seat at the table to remember who we miss; it's a candlelight carol; it's a grateful choir singin'. Oh Hark! The Herald, it's a Christmas to believe in! I'm wishing you a Christmas to believe in … where the moments turn to memories and years from now you'll close your eyes and see them. It's grandpa's Bible opened up to Luke Chapter 2; it's the greatest gift of Love being born for me and you; it's a heart returning home to the One Who is the reason. Every Christmas is a Christmas to believe in!
Do you believe in the saving grace of Jesus Christ, the reason for the season?
Artist/Writer: Matthew West (LIVE)
