Jesus has come

John 1: 1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome.


Courtesy of BibleGateway.com


Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm nervous about going shopping for the very first time in my 43 years on Black Friday.  I am troubled that I'm more consumed with this thought that reasons for being thankful. What has this become?  This holiday, which indeed was intended to be a "holy day" to thank Providence for providing such an abundant place for our forefathers has now turned into a mad dash for the best bargain.  Regardless, I will take advantage of the great deals, but in my heart of hearts, I know how much I have to be thankful for.  Let's not lose site of that as we enter into advent to prepare for the arrival of our Savior.  The sales will continue and the hustle and bustle and parties will go on, but let's not diminish what it really meant for Jesus to be "born".  


I love John 1:1-5.  It is among my favorite verses in the entire bible.  The WORD is Christ Himself.  Don't you see what this verse tells us?  The WORD, Jesus WAS with God.  "Was" is past tense, meaning before now.  Then it says the WORD was God- solidifying the persons of the Godhead or the Trinity.  Then the most beautiful "He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made."


My friends, nothing here is implied.  It's right there in black and white.  While Christmas is special, it is nowhere commanded in the bible to celebrate.  I personally believe that Jesus's coming was meant for only those special few to know, like His second coming.  Only the Father knows the day or the hour He will return.  I am not a fan of "Happy Birthday, Jesus." because I feel like it diminishes what God has done for us.  Birth implies a beginning; a starting point.  We celebrate mortal birthdays as the first breath we take upon exiting the womb and entering this fallen world.  We are brought into existence.  Before our conception, we did NOT EXIST.  


Jesus,  on the other hand, did exist before his birth.  He WAS God. He WAS FULLY GOD, yet lowered Himself to be born as a man and walk among us in our sin-filled world. What greater love could there be?  He created EVERYTHING.  Jesus Himself was there at creation, yet because of His great love for us, humbled Himself and came to serve.  This is not the mortal image of an earthly king.  Royalty here on this planet is elite and untouchable by commoners.  Not our heavenly King.  He did not havea throne or a home of His own during His ministry.  He had NO accumulated wealth.  He mingled with the outcasts of society who were possessed or sick and shunned.  He lived a PERFECT life HERE.  He did not have to do that, but He did- because of LOVE.  Perfect, beautiful, unselfish love.


So, as you go about your "BUSY-NESS" during this holiday season.. and yes, Happy Holidays is OK!  (HOLIDAY = HOLY DAY! :0) You have one up on those who think it is more secular.)  Stop to remember exactly what Christmas is.  We really don't know when Jesus entered our world.  Scholars and Theologians speculate, it is NOT commanded in the bible to remember and celebrate, and we have a Savior who humbled Himself and left paradise to come here and die for us.  How beautiful an act is that!


For this reason REMEMBER and CELEBRATE!  It is SO much more than a mere birth.  He WAS more than a wise man who once lived and told stories to teach us.  He WAS more than even JUST a man. He was, is, and always will be.  Below are two of my MOST favorite songs.  Enjoy!





Be blessed this Christmas season and know that Jesus loves you.  He's waiting for you to invite Him into your life.