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The Lord asked me this question about Christmas. I have heard about the history of Christmas. First it started as Christ-mass. As time went on, it became other names. But what is the real Christmas? It is supposed to be about the birth of the Christ Child.
Well, let's see what we can find about the real Christmas. Isaiah 7:14 is a prophecy of Jesus' birth. A long time before it happened, it was foretold: "Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a child" (NIV).
It's a story of a young woman who received news that would change the course of history. A woman having a baby without a man was told by the angel Gabriel. People questioned how this could be. They had a hard time understanding what could not be seen now could then be seen later! Luke 1:26-33 tells the story of Gabriel and Mary.
Do people still get betrothed (engaged)? The Bible said it's God's plan. Today some don't get engaged; they are just "live ins". God is using this story so we can see how important marriage still is. A betrothal can be a miracle. Matthew 1:20-23 records how an angel appeared to Joseph to tell him to remain betrothed to Mary.
We were promised a child who would be a trustworthy king. Children know how important it is to trust. A good king, just like a good parent, needs to be trustworthy. Isaiah 9:6-7 states Jesus will "establish…and uphold" his government "with justice and with righteousness."
I am trying to find the real Christmas.
Sometimes we need to return to where we came from, to see who we are today. We need to meet people on the road or pathway to know who we are. It's a requirement. Each of us has a journey. Sometimes watching someone else's journey helps us to make our journey. Look at Joseph and Mary; God chose them to show that we can be chosen but still have a hard time. But look at how many we can inspire. Luke 2:4-6 is the journey of Joseph and Mary who went to Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
Has somebody told you a special story because God told them to share? That is why the shepherds are important. We are sheep who need to be told where to go. Luke 2:8-11 is an angel sharing, "I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people."
I am trying to find the real Christmas.
How are you at telling a story about what you heard or saw? When you have experienced something wonderful, you want to share it. You take it in your heart and meditate on it. Then you can share it with such excitement. Luke 2:16-20 states, "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen."
We are all given a chance to believe with these scriptures and to help us find the real Christmas. Read Luke 2:1-20 and John 3:16.
You might still have trouble finding the real Christmas.
Jesus was on the cross; I hope this will lead you to the real Christmas. In Luke 23:34, Jesus said to forgive. "And Jesus said, 'Father forgive them; for they know not what they do.'" We have to forgive because not forgiving blinds us, and we can't see. Especially forgive yourself. It is a shame when you can't forgive yourself.
In Luke 23:43, Jesus states, "'Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.'" Most of us don't fear God and don't realize this place is not our home. There has to be something better. It is called Paradise or Heaven. Why go through Hell down here and die and go to Hell?
Jesus stated in John 19:26-27, "'Woman, behold your son.'" There is a special relationship between a parent and a child. I have learned a mother and child is almost like God and Jesus.
I am trying to get you to the real Christmas.
In Matthew 27:46, Jesus quotes Psalm 22 about being forsaken. Have you experienced a lonely time in your life? God doesn't want us to be alone, but sometimes we need to see the difference by going through this. Somebody is watching over you, and in the right time, you will learn this.
John 19:28 is about thirst. Being dehydrated can make you really sick. We are too busy looking for water when it is right there.
In John 19:30, Jesus said, "'It is finished.'" With all the confusion that is going on, we must come to a time and say it is finished. It is time to stop and review. The next part is being ready to get the answer to the question.
Luke 23:46 records Jesus saying, "'Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.'"
This is the real Christmas: getting close to the Father through Jesus. The flesh is done, and committing your spirit is the real truth. It is worth the pain. Once you get into the Holy Spirit of Jesus, God will take over. The things that try to harm you will be over. You will know the real Christmas.
Enjoy the reason for the season!
Overseer Pastor Velinda Smith, New Life Wake Up Ministries Inc.