The True Meaning of Christmas
Listen everyone to a true story that was written long ago of a man who came to establish His Kingdom and save the people from their troubles. He came not as you’d expect with a robe, riches, and a crown. Rather, He was born into a simple family where Joseph the husband of Mary was a common tradesman.
At the time of His birth, they were making a several-day journey from Nazareth to the town Bethlehem. They came upon an inn that was full and the only place available for them to stay was a stable with a manger for Him to lay.
The family eventually returned to Nazareth and the boy grew up as most children do. There were no signs of royalty upon Him as He lived in the house of a carpenter.
He soon began to grow in stature, and it was apparent to all that He was someone special. He educated Himself in the Scriptures and began teaching at a very early age. He spoke to people in parables and confused the scholars for His wisdom and knowledge was no match for them.
He performed miracles and healed people from their diseases. But most important of all, He claimed to be God Himself and could forgive the people of their sins. He was scoffed at and rejected by many for who is this man who makes such outrageous claims.
He finally received His crown and wore it at the end of His life. It had no gold or jewels for it was made of twigs with thorns. When placed upon His head it made Him bleed drops of blood that soon led to His death. A death He did not deserve to die, but a death that would bring life to many who would come believe in Him.
He was convicted and sentenced to death as a criminal for His outlandish claims. On a cross He was crucified so died an agonizing death, and His body was taken down and laid in a tomb that was offered to the family.
His family was distraught, and the religious leaders were relieved that He was finally gone. But amazing as it was on the third day His body was found to be missing from the tomb. He was seen about and touched by many as a matter of fact by more than 500.
The grave could not hold Him down for He had raised Himself from the dead. Only God could perform such a supernatural work which confirms all that He said was true. He truly is a King and now His kingdom is established and will live on for all eternity.
Such is the story of Jesus. As we enter into the Christmas season we eagerly watch, wait, and celebrate the time of His birth.
In the hustle and bustle of the Christmas Season people are busier than ever decorating and shopping all the while carrying on with life’s daily responsibilities. We see many signs that the Season is upon us, lighted reindeer, Santa Clauses, snowmen, and Christmas trees. The malls are decorated with holly, giant candy canes and Christmas balls. Children can even visit Santa and give him their Christmas wish list for the year. But what is clear to me is that we see and hear fewer and fewer evidences of the true meaning of Christmas. Linus Van Pelt, the Peanuts character from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” reminds us of what Christmas is all about.
Charlie Brown: “I guess you were right, Linus. I shouldn’t have picked this little tree. Everything I do turns into a disaster. I guess I really don’t know what Christmas is all about.”
Charlie Brown: “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
Linus Van Pelt: “Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about.”
Linus Van Pelt: “Lights, please.”
Linus Van Pelt: "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"
Linus Van Pelt: “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.”
Let us see Christmas as through the eyes of a child just as Charlie Brown did in the wonder and majesty of the moment as we anticipate His appearance on Christmas Day.
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2014 12 24 A Charlie Brown Christmas the true meaning of Christmas