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There were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
The angel said that Christmas would bring “great joy…for all the people.” Really? For many people, getting ready for Christmas seems more of a hassle than a source of happiness. It is a source of stress. They feel pressure, not pleasure, when it comes to Christmas. It’s a duty, not a delight. They endure Christmas rather than enjoy it.
There are many reasons you might feel uneasy or lonely or even depressed during the Christmas season. You may dread spending time with oddball relatives. Maybe relationships are strained and uncomfortable in your family. Maybe you don’t have anyone to be with this Christmas. Christmas may remind you of losses or hurts or how things have changed. You may have a religious background that doesn’t include Christmas, or you may have no faith at all; watching others celebrate may make you feel uneasy. Maybe you’re just exhausted and worn out from all that’s happened in your life this past year. This Christmas, God cares deeply about how you feel.
Regardless of your background, religion, problems, or circumstances, Christmas really is the best news you could get. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple yet profound truths that can transform your life for the better here on earth and for forever in eternity. Right now there’s nothing more important for you to understand than the implications of Christmas for your life.
God’s Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life. Second, it’s the only gift you’ll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it’s an extremely practical gift – one you’ll use every day for the rest of your life.
On the first Christmas night, the angel announced three purposes for the birth of Jesus:
Christmas is a time for celebration!
Christmas is a time for salvation!
Christmas is a time for reconciliation!
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14 NIV
The angel said that Christmas would bring “great joy…for all the people.” Really? For many people, getting ready for Christmas seems more of a hassle than a source of happiness. It is a source of stress. They feel pressure, not pleasure, when it comes to Christmas. It’s a duty, not a delight. They endure Christmas rather than enjoy it.
There are many reasons you might feel uneasy or lonely or even depressed during the Christmas season. You may dread spending time with oddball relatives. Maybe relationships are strained and uncomfortable in your family. Maybe you don’t have anyone to be with this Christmas. Christmas may remind you of losses or hurts or how things have changed. You may have a religious background that doesn’t include Christmas, or you may have no faith at all; watching others celebrate may make you feel uneasy. Maybe you’re just exhausted and worn out from all that’s happened in your life this past year. This Christmas, God cares deeply about how you feel.
Regardless of your background, religion, problems, or circumstances, Christmas really is the best news you could get. Beneath all the visible sights and sounds of Christmas are some simple yet profound truths that can transform your life for the better here on earth and for forever in eternity. Right now there’s nothing more important for you to understand than the implications of Christmas for your life.
God’s Christmas gift to you has three qualities that make it unique. First, it is the most expensive gift you’ll ever receive. It’s priceless. Jesus paid for it with his life. Second, it’s the only gift you’ll ever receive that will last forever. Finally, it’s an extremely practical gift – one you’ll use every day for the rest of your life.
On the first Christmas night, the angel announced three purposes for the birth of Jesus:
Christmas is a time for celebration!
Christmas is a time for salvation!
Christmas is a time for reconciliation!
