The true meaning of Christmas

Just like the rest of the year.

We’re quick to condemn, to judge, to try to determine that we know the answers to some things that we see the appearances only. As a human, it is nearly impossible to do all the things that we pledge to do, because the nature that made us need to make resolutions is a fallen nature.

It is our hope to tell this story by paraphrasing selected passages from the Bible. Listen: God loves you!

Although the name we now use for this midwinter time of cheer and feasting obviously has a Christian association, the tradition of celebration itself began long before Christianity. “Why does King Herod make us go to the cities of our birth to pay our taxes?” “May it be to me as you have said”. That is absolutely true. He was one of the billions of babies who have been born ever since the world began.

The Prophecies predict Jesus’ mother was a virgin, Jesus would come from the clan of Judah and his origins are from ancient times as he was the son of God. I know this whole idea of “Jesus came to die” has been engrained in us since our earliest memories. And unlike the gifts under the tree, it lasts forever – everlasting life!

This is who we are: children of God, made like him – to share in the blessedness and holiness of his own life, to live as saints and children of God in his family, the Church.

What does it mean, why do we hear about all these ancestors of Jesus? He has done all to make it possible for us to know Him by His death on the cross which paid the penalty for all of our sins.

The second quirky Christmas video will be posted on The JESUS Film’s Facebook page later this week. ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton noted in her Christmas message: “Jesus is our true home (so) we are never far from home”. With lots of festivities and so much to do and prepare, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, or to focus on what we will receive rather than what we will or can give. Why should we worship Him? This planet’s landscapes and its seasons define us and give shape to our lives. “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”.

“You made the simple things divine”.

Then after seeing firsthand the tenderness with which the saintly nun dressed the gaping hole where the leper’s nose once was, the American spoke with mingled awe and repulsion, “Sister, I would not do what you are doing for a million dollars”. The New Year will then certainly be a blessing for you. In 1 Corinthians 10:13 we are encouraged that “He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”.

Whatsapp reads: A wish for peace and happiness at Christmas and throughout the New Year.