2 Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2
I know that I wrote about the Christmas story a little early but in my defense, if the retail industry can do it I should be able to do it too.
One of my favorite Christmas specials is “A Charlie Brown Christmas” which has become a tradition for me to watch ever since I saw it aired for the first time on the television in 1965. In this special Charlie Brown in a moment of frustration exclaims, “Can anybody tell me what Christmas is about?!”
Linus calmly replies “Sure Charlie Brown” and recites the scripture below.
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14
This is the rest of the Christmas story not in the “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
We celebrate the Christmas season with love, joy, peace, and the giving of gifts our Heavenly Father God Almighty gave this gift to us.
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
And if that was not enough our Heavenly Father God Almighty also gave this gift to us.
8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9
To be a Christian means doing the good things to love, show kindness, be compassionate, to be humbled, to be wise, to care for your family, friends and strangers. Below is a prayer to start your Christian journey.
Dear Lord,
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself only. I am sorry and repent all my sins. I ask that you forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross for me to save me. I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life; I give you my life to you. From this day forward help me to live every day for you and in a way that pleases you. I love you Lord and I thank you that I will spend all eternity with you. Amen
God bless all that read this with His love, light, grace, mercy, and wisdom in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Revelation 22:21 (KJV)