Sirs,
As another Christmas approaches it is, once again, the season for the giving of gifts. For many it is a good excuse to have a party, take a holiday or simply enjoy the festivities of the season. "Shop till you drop" is the motto of others, as they hunt for bargains, stocking fillers and the latest gadgets.
Most people, of all ages, will have their part to play at Christmas, either in buying, giving or receiving a gift. There will be very few folk who, in one way or another, will not remember Christmas. Everyone loves gifts!
It seems that every year the stores put up their Christmas displays earlier and earlier, and that each year there is increasing pressure to buy more and more expensive gifts. There also seems to be a competition to see who can put up the largest and most elaborate display of decorations.
With all of these things, it is very easy to lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.
While we don’t believe the date (and neither does the Bible), in it all there is in ‘Christmas Day’ a fresh reminder of God's eternal plan of love to meet the dire need of man's soul, and provide ‘the best gift’ to completely satisfy and delight his heart. This is the gift of unspeakable worth. This is God's gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
When we strip away the layers of glitter, commercialism, and tradition that surround the celebration of Christmas, the holiday's true meaning becomes easier to see. Here we can see a star that reminds us of the star that the wise men followed two thousand years ago while seeking the newborn King. Who is this King? Listen to what the angels said to the shepherds: "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11)
What was the reason that Jesus left his home in heaven to come to this world? Was it simply to do good works, or to leave an example for us to follow? No, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). He came to deal once and for all with the problem of sin that separates every one of us from God. "But I'm not a sinner!" you might say. Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen? Have you ever cheated? Have you ever had an impure thought? God's Word is very true when it says, "All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
Yes, we are all sinners, and if judged on our own merits, would all come short of heaven. Sadly, many people don't realize that "Every one of us shall give account of himself to God" and that "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (Romans 14:12; John 3:36).
Here is where the distractions of the holiday disappear completely and the true meaning of Christmas becomes clear to see. Christmas is all about God's great love for us and the priceless gift that He offers to all who repent (of their sin) and believe the gospel. This gift, the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23), was purchased when Jesus, the sinless Sacrifice, died on the cross for our sins. Now He is risen from the dead and offers eternal life to everyone who will confess their sins to Him and trust Him as their Saviour: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
A gift offered to you does not become yours until you receive it. So it is with salvation. Faith is the empty hand that reaches out to receive God's gift of life. It is the personal acceptance of His offer. Millions have already received this Gift and been made eternally grateful for the blessing it has brought them. Eternal life as a present possession, the forgiveness of sins, peace with God, and much more are all wrapped up in this invaluable gift of God's beloved Son. At the close of another year, may we all seek this one gift that none of us can do without – truly it is the greatest and best gift of all!
Mr Donald J Morrison
85 Old Edinburgh Road
Inverness
The true meaning of Christmas
2 December 2014