MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Bible is clear that the birth of Jesus Christ is a day of celebration. The Bible is not clear regarding what day is the birthday of Jesus. Tradition provides December 25 as a day of celebrating His birth. Some would argue that another day in another season would be more accurate. They may be right.  However, at this point in time, does it really matter what day we use to celebrate the birth of Jesus?  The Shepherds got the day right and they are probably the only human beings who needed to be exact. I suggest the following words of Paul might have some application for us:

 

"One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." (Romans 14:5, KJV) 

 

Pick any day you want and feel good about to celebrate the birth of the Savior. However, celebrate the birth of the Savior.  Without the birth of the Savior there is no salvation and there is no eternal heaven for any of us. There is no answered prayer, no walk with God, no reason to rejoice because there would be no hope. There would be only a life lived like an animal with no more reason to exist beyond that of an animal and no overriding reason to care about anything or anyone. There would be no redeemed soul, no clean conscience, and no power to live in a manner that brings good to anyone for any reason. 

 

It is the birth of Jesus Christ that sets in motion all things wonderful for us. At the foot of the cross, believers are declared righteous in God's sight and recipients of all things good. Were it not for the birth of Jesus, there could be no cross on which Jesus hung in payment for our sins. Birth and death are tied together. One is impossible without the other.  

 

Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ for by His life we know better how to live, by His stripes we are healed, by His death we are declared innocent of all charges and by His resurrection we are assured of eternal life. Thank you, Jesus.  

 

From the staff at PPSIMMONS to all who share in the celebration of God arriving among us in the form of flesh; our Christmas Gift -- Merry Christmas to you and yours.