Friday, December 5, 2008

Advent Conspiracy-Christmas Can Still Change the World




Thanks to Ashpags!
If you, your church, or your organization would like to know more, just go to
www.adventconspiracy.org

Christmas is about The Birth of Christ

What do you think about when you hear the word Christmas?  Presents, food, family, traveling?  All these things are what Christmas is about, but the number one meaning of Christmas is the birth of Jesus Christ.  You can't leave Him out.  
Jesus' birth happened while his parents were traveling to Bethlehem to be counted in the census that Caesar Augustus had decreed.  So there was traveling involved.  Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.  He was visited by shepherds after angels announced the good news of a great joy which was for all people:  "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  I have always loved how Charlie Brown's Christmas included Lionel reading this passage from the Bible.  It is always very moving to me.  
Jesus was also visited by magi (the three wisemen) from the east.  They were sent by Herod to search for the Child.  The magi brought Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.  "And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way."  This is why gifts are given at Christmas time.  So Christmas does involve family and gift-giving and traveling to homes but never forget that it is the celebration of the Birth of Christ.  A Christian holiday.  A Holy Day.