Keep Christ in Christmas
It can be easy to get distracted by many things during the Christmas season, but without Christ, there would be no Christmas, no reason to be joyful and celebrate.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 (KJV) emphasis mine
Jesus in Greek is Isous, and it is the equivalent of the Hebrew name Yeshua (Joshua in modern English). It means Yahweh saves or Yahweh is salvation.
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. Matthew 1:23 (KJV) emphasis mine
And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (KJV)
John 1:14 tells us that Jesus is God; God in the flesh. God came to be with us in the flesh, just as mankind is in the flesh. God related to man so that man can relate to God. He came to be with mankind so mankind could be with God forever. Jesus came to save us from our sins. He came to bring God to us, demonstrating His identity and role as Emmanuel, God with us.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 (KJV) emphasis mine
Savior refers to Jesus (Yeshua), because Jesus actually means God (Yahweh) saves. Jesus has saved us from all things. He, as Savior, still saves us today. Christ in Greek is Christos, or in Hebrew it is Mashiach. It means Messiah or Anointed One.
As we keep Jesus Christ, our Savior the Anointed One, in our hearts, we keep Him as the center of Christmas. Christmas is a combination of Christ, the Anointed One, and mas, which can be added to the end of a word to mean celebration. So Christmas is to be a celebration of Christ, the Anointed One. Really, we are to have Christmas all year long since Christ is the Spirit of Christmas. We should celebrate Jesus Christ all the time.
Lord is the Greek word kyrios, which means Lord, Master, Owner, Ruler. Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, then we are to make Him Lord of all- our spirits, souls, and bodies. We are to let Him call the shots, after all, the Lord Jesus Christ knows what’s best for us, and He has nothing but the best for us. He came to save us and bring us into all He has for us- as long as we surrender to His lordship.
Christmas is a celebration of the Savior and His Anointing coming to earth to bring us back to God. In Christmas celebrations, people often use a Christmas tree, which some argue has pagan origins. While its origins are indeed questionable, the Christmas tree can be viewed as a spiritual symbol as well. The tree itself reminds us that Christ died on a tree. Green speaks of new life found in Him. Gifts represents that God, the true Giver, gives good gifts to all. He shares His love with all.
As we keep Christ in every aspect of Christmas, giving gifts to others, let’s not forget to give them the greatest gift of all- Jesus. And let’s commit to keeping Christ in the center of Christmas and in our hearts all year long.
