Celebrate Jesus

'For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace'. Isaiah 9:6

How easy it is to get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas that we forget the true meaning of Christmas.  Before Thanksgiving is even over, we start to see the commercials on the television.  The displays are put up in all the major department stores.  As parents we start to stress about what we are going to get our children.  One of the things I have always tried to do is make sure that my children know that Christmas is not about the gifts they receive, instead it is about one very important gift that was given to them so that they could have a right to the tree of life.  Have you ever stopped to think about what this world would be like without Jesus?  And even more personal, what would your life be like without Him?  God has given us the best gift imaginable.  One that just keeps getting sweeter and sweeter as the days go by.  As your personal Lord and Saviour, over time you will find Him to be all the things mentioned in Isaiah 9:6.   He is Wonderful.  He is Wonderful in his love to his people, and his sympathy with them; in his humility, meekness, and patience; in his wisdom, conduct, courage, and greatness of soul: wonderful in his life and even wonderful in His death.  He is a Counselor.  We can go to Him for anything.  Have a little talk with Jesus, tell Him all about our troubles. He will hear your faintest cry and answer by and by.  He is the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father and most importantly the Prince of Peace.   He is the Prince of Peace because He is the author of peace.  If you think you have peace but don't have Jesus, you are sadly mistaken.  He is the only one who can bring about true peace in your life. A peace that surpasses all understanding.  Chaos all around you, yet you remain calm.  Only He can provide that for you.

So this Christmas, CELEBRATE JESUS!  He is definitely the reason for the season. If there were no Jesus we wouldn't have a reason to celebrate.  As we go about our day receiving and giving gifts to those we love, let us not forget the reason.  There is one thing my God is not and that is inconsistent.  For thousands of years He has proven to be all of the things listed in Isaiah 9:6 and if you have any kind of personal relationship with the Savior I am sure you can add your own names to that list.  Worship Him today.  Give Him the glory, honor and praise that He deserves.  And if you are concerned about not being able to give the material gifts that your family and friends may want, there is an even better gift you can give them.  Show them the love of Christ.  Give the gift of forgiveness.  Share the good news of Jesus Christ.  Make this the best Christmas ever. 

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.  This the day that You have made and I will rejoice and be glad in it.  Lord, I want to thank you for the gift of your Son.  Thank you that He was born a baby to become a man to die and take away the sin of the world.  To take away my sin.  Thank you for saving me.  In Jesus' Wonderful Name I pray Amen.