Christmas Without Christ

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace - Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV).

 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem,... and when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh - Matthew 2:1, 11 (NKJV).

 

Introduction

What is Christmas to you? Many people have different reasons for celebrating Christmas; including time for a holiday, feasting, traveling, shopping, and reunions. However, the main reason for the celebration is normally not remembered, it is now Christmas without Christ. This is very unfortunate and should be corrected in the minds and lives of Christians. This post encourages believers in Christ to focus more on Jesus during the Christmas season since He is the reason for the celebration.

 

Christmas has been turned into different celebrations other than the celebration of the birth of Jesus. So, I ask, "what is Christmas without Christ?" Truly, unbelievers celebrate it without knowing the reason for the season. And the children are more after "Father Christmas", the Christmas gifts, lights, and decorations. Furthermore, people prepare so much for this celebration, yet, most people don't have encounters with Christ as part of the preparation.

What To Do This Christmas

Christmas is the accepted birthday for Jesus Christ, so the celebration should be all centered on Him. When you are celebrating your birthday, the celebration is centered on you. People gather because of you, the preparations are for the people coming because of you, the prayers are said for you and the gifts are for you. Sometimes, people may even ask you what you want for your birthday and they will be ready to do exactly what you desire. Read more...

Abide in Christ

 Have you told your self today that Jesus loves you? Have you looked at that image in the mirror and said (pointing at it) "Jesus loves you"? He loved you while you were yet a sinner, while you were deep in sin. He died for you that you should believe and not perish but have eternal life.

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall but e done for you - John 15:5,7,9,12 (NKJV)

Yes, He chose you, you didn't choose yourself. He chose you to bear fruit that will abide (John 15:16). He knows you can do so through Him. O yes! Not by yourself though, for without Him you can do nothing. It's not by your might nor power, but by the Spirit of God (Zechariah 4:6). You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13). Christ is the one who will work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13).

All He asks of you is that you abide in Him, abide in His love, rest in Him and believe in Him. He wants you to trust in Him to work out His will in you: He wants you to trust Him to help you obey His commandments, trust Him to love as He loves, trust Him to obey as He obeys God. Remember, faithful is He that calls you who also will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Read more...  

Why Be Different For Jesus

Why should you be different for Jesus? Joining the company of those that are different for Christ is a major decision to take and a wise one too. A person that is different for the Lord is treasured in God’s kingdom. This post gives the reasons why you should be different for Jesus Christ.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus – Acts 4:13 (NKJV)

Difference is the mark of Christ. He came and made a difference in the world and anyone who is His follower is expected to make a difference too, and this is possible by being first different. The elders of Israel in Acts 4:13 noticed the difference in Peter and John and realized that they had been with Jesus. You can’t truly walk with Christ and not be different! But why should you really be different?

Reasons to be different

There are five basic reasons to be different for Christ

It is commanded by God.

God commanded in Leviticus 11:44 that you should be holy for He is holy. And Peter in 1 Peter 1:15-16 recounts this command that you should be holy in all your conduct because it is written, “be holy for I am holy. Holiness connotes difference. God is holy and does not expect anything short of it from His children. Holiness enables you to be different in all your conduct. The way you think, talk and act will be different from the world’s way of thinking, talking or acting if you are holy.

God commands same in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 when He said we should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. There is no agreement between the temple of God and idols. That’s why He says that you should come out from among them and be different. A follower of Christ MUST be different from the world.

For praise unto God
When you are different for Jesus your light shines so bright that men see your works and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Being different for God makes you a light in the midst of darkness. And wherever there is light darkness disappears. Light enables people to move about without stumbling. Therefore anyone who is light is a blessing that provokes people to praise God. Read more...