With Christmas a week away, many are anticipating Santa coming. Around the world the magic of Christmas is unfolding. Christmas Trees, holiday gifts and decorations; truly Christmas is a special time.
Are you anticipating guests and the fellowship of friends during this holiday? Many of us are, but did not John the Baptist prophesy someone greater is coming? Many thought John the Baptist was someone he was not (the Messiah); likewise many think Santa Claus is someone he is not (the reason for Christmas). When Pope Julius I authorized December 25 to be celebrated as the birthday of Jesus in A.D. 353, who would have ever thought that it would become what it is today. When Professor Charles Follen lit candles on the first Christmas tree in America in 1832, who would have ever thought that the light in our hearts would replaced by the lights on our houses.
It is a long time since the first Christmas in A.D. 353 or the first American Christmas Tree in 1832. How long has it been since the greatness of it took center stage during your Christmas festivities? As we approach December 25 again, we have another opportunity to pause, and in the midst of all our celebration and excitement and the unfortunate commercialization which surround Christmas today, we need to consider that someone greater – Jesus Christ – is the reason for the season. Make Christ the center of your Christmas.
The very purpose of Christ’s coming into the world was that He might offer up His life as a sacrifice for the sins of men. He came to die. This is the heart of Christmas. – Rev. Billy Graham (DR ERNEST PEETS JR)