Web
www.christianactivities.com
//–>
Christmas, it seems to be the day we all yearn for during the year. But why? Many are depressed and lonely on this holiday, with hurtful memories of
those they have lost. For others it is just serves as a mile marker of another year done and gone, where lost hopes and dreams have drifted away with the
swift current of time. Some are only concerned with who they will see, time off, gifts, food and pleasant schedule changes.
So, what does Christmas mean to you? What do you look forward to the most? Is your heart set on fire by the realization that this day commemorates
the birth of our Salvation through the Christ child? We would all be lost, without this event. The miracle to top all miracles happened that first
Christmas! Our King, our Creator our Savior was born to a young virgin girl! Humbly He came but mightily He reigns!! His entry into this world is the
very essence of humbleness. We need to comprehend this great message! It is not just a birth, like any other birth, as miraculous as they all are. This one
was magnificent! Never before or never again will there be such an event! His first lesson of Salvation came in His birth…..that of “Humbleness!” Christ
showed us the first step to salvation would be that of humbleness! He came in humility and that is how we are to come! He deserves all the glory and
praise of His creation yet, Jesus humbled Himself and entered into this world as an infant. And as Christ so adamantly spoke in
Matthew 18:3-5
And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever
humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. “And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me.
Christ’s humbleness did not stop at the manger, He carried it throughout His life and ministry on earth. He humbly submitted to the Father’s will, from
the manger to the ascension. Producing the eternal harvest, the first fruits of things to come.
Philippians 2:5-11
“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself
and became obedient to death–even death on a cross! 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.”
We must have humbleness! We should not abandon it at our salvation altar but carry it on throughout our walk with our Savior! If we want to truly
reflect the image of Jesus Christ, we must have this attribute!
1 Peter 5:6-7
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
This should be a prominent Christmas “display” which flows out of our hearts and homes this holiday. Most of us can’t put together a live Nativity
scene but we can display living, breathing humility as we live each day for Christ. Just as Paul writes in, 1 Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I
follow the example of Christ.”
Humbleness, it is often lost in this message of Christ’s birth. It is just like the enemy to glorify the opposite, shining the light on a message of “self”!
The result being a blinding glare of this world’s ostentatious holiday celebrations, of everything but Christ! We should rejoice at Christmas but for the
right reason! I am just as guilty at this as anyone for at times being caught up in the holiday mayhem! That is why we should be keenly aware and in
control of what we do. Opportunity abounds and if we sit out or send conflicting messages, at this juncture of our race, we could do more damage than
good. I believe that our witness at Christmas is just as important, if not more so, than any other time of the year!! Our love for Christ and the joy of our
salvation should not be easily contained! It is our time to step up to the microphone and praise God for the gift of His Son! This can be done in various!
ways, maybe through a personal testimony, Christian decorations or embellishments. Choosing a manger scene, over a Santa or snowman, so that you
proclaim the true Christmas story. Be creative in the gifts you buy. You could witness to nonbelievers, and strengthen believers, simply by the giving of
a Christian CD, book, video, plaque or household item. One of my favorites is the annual Christmas card! I select ones that clearly state the true purpose
of the holiday! Remember, your cards and letters will be in the homes of some unsaved family and friends! This is our chance to be lovingly creative and
bold in all that we do! If you write a Christmas letter, don’t leave out Christ. Write about answered prayer throughout the year and His impact on your life!
You don’t have to cold-cock them with the gospel but don’t be ashamed of your walk and relationship with Jesus. Let your Christmas celebration be the
exclamation point on another year! lived for Him!
Here is a beautiful song, written by a humble young woman. It was humbleness that made her the perfect tool for God to work through! She became
an instrument that all of God’s love would flow through! Her name was Mary, she was qualified by her lineage from the tribe of Judah, a descendant of
King David, but found favor in God’s eye because of her humbleness!
LUKE 1:46-55
Mary’s Song
And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me–
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”
May we, the children of God, His chosen, His anointed….His kids, bring honor and glory to the name of Jesus Christ this Christmas! May we walk in
humbleness and bold truth in all that we say and do. So that we point to the One who saved our souls from death, hell and the grave! May we bless others
with Christ’s love, becoming humble servants in the Masters hand as we allow the Holy Spirit to shine through us, brighter than any light display! This
could be one of the greatest opportunities we have, as we mingle amongst the busy malls, parking lots and frantic crowds! Our humbleness could speak
volumes in these hectic holiday arenas! May God bless you and lead you to new traditions, convictions and lost souls this year!
Don’t forget where your blessings come from and don’t allow yourself to get caught up in the worldly trappings of the Holiday. All of our provisions
come from a Father that loves us and has given everything for us. I’ll leave you with this verse in Deuteronomy and what my pastor asked at church last
week, he said, ” All of the shopping and giving for Christmas but, have you stopped to think of what you will give to God this Christmas?” What a wake
up call. Did you even think of that?! Is there a ministry, your church, a family, a mission or missionary oversees, a teacher, a shelter, your neighbor…..
Deuteronomy 8:2-4
Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your
heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor
your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Your clothes did
not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.
Jesus is the reason for the season and wise men still seek Him!
Merry Christmas!
Back to Devotionals Page
Christian Activities is on MySpace at:
Use this link to shop Amazon.com and support Christian Activities
