No, He has not forgotten you. Clap your hands, all peoples! The Way! He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. There are many reasons why Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7). However, by the late fourth century it was generally celebrated in churches. But in changing the line, the editors of the hymnbooks have probably missed the main point of Wesley's thinking. How could their tongues be silent when they had heard such music? Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him. Christmas is always a special time for most everyone but especially followers of Jesus. Instead they carry us deep into the mind and counsels of our great God. Further light is shed upon these verses by the meaning of the words for peace in the original Greek and Latin. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. The question is important because of the significance of the day and because so many obviously do not know how to celebrate it. (Philadelphia: Evangelical Foundation), 1961, pages 12-13. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! Then take time each day to draw strength from His Word, the Bible, and to pray, and to have fellowship with other believers. In this verse the word "learn" is a Greek word from which we have derived our word mathematics. You say, "How does this come about?" Amen. In all that he does, he prospers. At this point our Bible text comes in, for it is a report of how those who witnessed the first Christmas observed it. There is one kind of amazement which is merely a tickling of the fancy. The word "pact" also comes from it. And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. O come, all ye faithful, Will Graham Devotion: The Criminal on the Cross. Is there such a verse? And yet this is what we often do with Jesus. Keiper concluded, "When men are truly men of good will seeking to do God's will this text becomes a mighty force. We learn of His mercy. Moreover, if you will permit me to apply it in this way, it seems to me that apart from the truths which the angels revealed to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds two thousand years ago concerning the birth of Christ apart from really understanding what they said and meant undoubtedly, this Christmas, the real meaning of the birth of Christ will pass us by also. Reprinted by Moody Press, 1969. Then everyone who survives of all the nations that have come against Jerusalem shall go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Booths. It comes from a Latin verb which means "to make a bargain" or "to make an agreement between contracting parties." Nevertheless, this is the day that most people, Christians and non-Christians alike, observe as His birthday, and if we are to mark it at all, this seems to be the only realistic time to do it. How do you celebrate Christmas? First, you need to learn about Jesus. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him. Jesus answered him, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to him, How can a man be born when he is old? Verse 17 suggests that we are to tell others what we have seen and heard; but we can hardly do that effectively until we have first been amazed at Christ's birth, pondered its meaning, and glorified and praised God for it. Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Keiper, Ralph L. Peace in Storm. Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus. I am convinced that this thought was uppermost in Luke's mind as he set about to write this opening section of his gospel. Why not join every year with the shepherds on that first Christmas, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen (Luke 2:20)? Music: Antioch, arranged by Lowell Mason, 1836. Salvus means "healthy" or "whole." Taken together, therefore, the Greek and Latin definitions imply, first, that peace is not primarily a state of mind or an individual virtue but rather a state existing between two or more persons. But then, suddenly, an angel appeared with the message: After the angel spoke a host of angels appeared, all praising God and saying. 7 This basic approach to salvation has been picked up in an avalanche of books on pastoral counseling, Christian psychiatry, and the cure of souls. The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. The professor replied that he thought he had. J It is recorded in Luke 1:26-38. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found . And it is this in which we are to imitate them. Have you responded to His love by giving your life to Him? Come to the wedding feast. But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. Like the message to Mary, this message also has four parts: Also, like the message to Mary, it has an important emphasis which, in this case, is the proclamation of joy. It is based upon what God has done, and it is given to the Christian by God and is sustained by God. Let the wonder of that first Christmas fill your life todayand every day. So they have changed the line to read "Let us find that promised rest.". For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate. Can you do that? Trust Him! So, the best way to celebrate Christmas is to believe on Jesus as your Savior. Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born? Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. The meaning of His name is "He will save His people from their sins" Because it came from God and was centered in the birth of the Savior. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Allow it to stretch your mind, and learn that there are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamed of in any human philosophy. Had He forgotten His promises? Our children's gift to us is their example of amazement which will lead us to recapture our own sense of amazement at the incarnation. U And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. Tillich, Paul. Thus, the message to Joseph centers primarily on that great work which Jesus, the Messiah, was to do. The Scriptures say, "And let him who hears say, Come!" OpenBible.info This is a cause for amazement. S The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. And there is peace with one another. On the day of the firstfruits, when you offer a grain offering of new grain to the Lord at your Feast of Weeks, you shall have a holy convocation. But that is not what the Bible is talking about when it talks about salvation. Q May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! The other kind of amazement is a holy wonder in response to those acts of God which are beyond human comprehension. To the choirmaster. Amen. 1. Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. Billy Graham: Would You Have Welcomed Jesus or Rejected Him? 12. If you know this joy, then you can go on, as the angels did, to give glory to God; and you can possess that peace of heart and soul which transcends understanding. But if the second type of peace is not something automatic that is, if you have to find it how do you find it? There are four main points to this short message: Each of these points is important, of course. Why not join every year with the shepherds on that first Christmas, "glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen" (Luke 2:20)? But shouldnt He be part of your life every day? Keiper asked what he meant. How can this be? Of course, you can and you should! This holy amazement is closely melded to adoration. You quarrel and fight. Contact Us. And, of course, this is the sense in which we glorify God. He would say that He was the life for a world that was dying. Keiper asked, "Why do you call it a farce?" The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. Although there is no mention of Jesus specifically mentioning to celebrate Christmas, the Bible does say that he was born on December 25th. First, it involved her memory; for we are told that she treasured up all these things. Jesus is coming! After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, Hallelujah! The Bible says, But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. It is not this way with joy. Have you heard these messages and appropriated them for yourself? That is the Christmas story God became man! He would say that He was the way for a world that was lost. This is the message of the angels. Labs Here are five great appearances of angels. Beyond any question, the gospel of Jesus Christ has important social implications. For most people, the answer could be obvious. The exact date of Jesus' birth is not recorded in the Scriptures. There would have been no need for His life, His death on the cross, or His resurrection. You can remember these events. Geocoding Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! The hymn is Love Divine, All Loves Excelling, and the stanza to which I am referring is the second. Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. On the ninth day of the month beginning at evening, from evening to evening shall you keep your Sabbath.. He loves you so much that He gave His life for your salvation. Volume I, (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1951), page 146. However, there is no evidence that Christmas was originally . As a sinner I need a Savior. A Psalm of the Sons of Korah. V They had heard the music of heaven. This is why carols are so much a rightful part of Christmas; for, when sung by those who understand them, they are a means of praise. When I return to these wonderful chapters of Matthew and Luke in order to prepare my Christmas messages, I always seem to find a detail that I had overlooked before and which therefore speaks to me in a new way. But how should a Christian celebrate Christmas? On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother's womb you have been my God. If these four means of celebrating Christmas are new to you and if you are now desiring to put them into practice, I suggest that you begin not with the first verse, verse 17 of Luke 2, but with verses 18, 19, and 20. That is what Jesus Himself said: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost. Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this very day I brought your hosts out of the land of Egypt. He makes me lie down in green pastures. If man could save himself, then there would have been no need for Jesus Christ to be born. Because of the gospel, Christians understand that the peace of God is only for those who acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior. And they kept the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at twilight, in the wilderness of Sinai; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so the people of Israel did. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Well, the birth of Christ itself teaches us of God's love; for God loved us so much that He became man in order to die for us. The Bible teaches that men are in revolt and rebellion against God but that God has acted to establish peace through His Son Jesus Christ, the mediator. This, of course, is monstrous. And the beast that I saw was like a leopard; its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. Anyone can understand Christmas in just three sentences: I am a sinner. All Joseph could have thought was that Mary had been unfaithful. Ponder the great doctrines of the Christian faith doctrines of the incarnation, atonement, grace, sanctification, heaven, perseverance, and others so that you begin to grow strong in doctrine. Have you seen those things? For you see, Joseph was in a difficult position. Proud member So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. One day just before Christmas vacation, the professor said, "Well, Keiper, are you going to preach that old Christmas farce again?" Be patient! Do you do it? Music: Beecher, John Zundel, Christian Heart Songs, 1870. In 1872 an edition in 2 volumes was printed for private subscription by A.B. Colossians 2:16 Verse Concepts Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day Psalm 95:2 Verse Concepts But our time is poorly spent if we allow the bustle of Christmas to eclipse our times of Bible study and of pondering upon God's Word. Do you know that you have fallen short of God's standards and that nothing within you will ever be able to move up to the fulfilling of them? Helpful Not Helpful Praise the Lord! For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to celebrate. K So the question is not "where did God say not to ." It is always the question "where did God say to ." See: Holiday Observances. Publisher: OpenBible.info. L Come to Him now! Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? Oh, it would have been quite a puzzle to Mary! Music: Pax Tecum, George T. Caldbeck and Charles J. Vincent, 1876. What is the source of the fighting and turmoil in the world today and, unfortunately at times, within the churches? If God did that, He would soon make a muddle of our Christian lives because "We do not know what we ought to pray for" (Romans 8:26), and we pray with wrong motives. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. Celebrating it certainly does seem and feel like the right thing to do. But the circumstances were not good. Think what it involved in the case of Mary, Jesus' mother. "The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told" (v. 20). And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. That is good. What are they? He then assured the professor that the reason why the Christmas message was an apparent farce to him was not God's fault. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. The Apostle James was one who knew this, and he spoke of it in a passage that is a perceptive analysis of such problems in the world and in church circles. The second message brought by the angels concerning the birth of Christ is the message to Joseph. It is in this sense a doxology, which means to express a right opinion of God verbally. Nothing destroys joy except sin. The shepherds, wise men, and angels celebrated the birth of Jesus with gifts, songs, and prayer. As you pray that prayer, you will find that God has already been merciful in Jesus. I Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. Jesus was born to be our Savior as the carol says: Christ was born to save! R Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. You do not have, because you do not ask God. Sing God's praises. BGEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. His father went down to the woman, and Samson prepared a feast there, for so the young men used to do. In these verses the angel first greets Mary, then gives this message: "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. 1. For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.