Today is the eve of the holiday we as Americans know as Christmas, and it is actually known by many peoples in many lands. It's a good time to be with family and for people to come out of the hustle and bustle of every day life. It's a time to share in the blessing of others with gifts and acts of generosity. It's a "feel good" time, and we all like to feel good.
In the holy scriptures, the holiday is never mentioned, and nowhere are God's people commanded to remember and celebrate Christ's birth. However, we are given the command to remember His death, burial and resurrection on the Lord's Day each week as a memorial of His sacrifice for our sins. To remember His body, and blood, and that He is our Savior.
As we busy ourselves with gift giving and preparations to feast with family and friends, let us also soberly reflect on the truth that Jesus Christ gave mankind the greatest gift possible. One that sinful mankind sorely needed--the ability to have our sins forgiven, wiped out, blotted from the citation--as if we'd never sinned. Now, when immersed into His body, one is now justified and sanctified by the blood He shed on a cross over two thousand years ago. Sins are washed away, and new spiritual life is given, along with a new name, Christian and born into a new family, the family of God and household of faith. Christianity is the gift we ought to be seeking this season, and not only at this time, but every day alike.
Have you received this gift?