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Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Do you know why Christmas is so special?

"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord"  (Luke 2:11)

Many, many times in our lives we have told our children the true meaning of Christmas.

But have we actually shown them the true meaning? Are we pointing them to the cross? Are we leading them to the manger? Are we telling them about the birth of Jesus and His life?

It's so easy to say that Christmas is all about Jesus. But if we aren't backing it up with tangible evidence are we really accomplishing anything? If we stress to our kids that it's not about the gifts, but then we have the presents stacked high up under the tree, are we being truthful? If we tell them that it's better to give then to receive, but then we don't give, aren't we being deceptive?

When my 2 year old grandson, Bryton, asked his mother the other morning, "Mama, do you know why Christmas is so special?", it's because she has asked him that question many times lately as she is trying to teach him that Christmas is all about Jesus.

So when Ashlie's response was, "Why do YOU think it's so special Bryton?", he was able to say, "because it's Jesus' birthday!"

He knows that because she has taught him. And we do need to teach our children. But it isn't just enough to teach them in word only. We have to show them. They need to see evidence that it is truly all about Jesus.

They need to see us doing for others.

They need to see us putting Jesus first.

They need to hear the Christmas story every chance we get and especially on Christmas morning.

They need to see Jesus being the focus of all we do and say.

They need to see...

The only way they will ever 'get it' is by example.

We have to show them why Christmas is so special.

We need to show them that Mary was blessed. That Joseph was obedient. That God sent His Son.

We need to show them that a Savior was born. That a tiny baby was brought forth that bore the fingermarks of God. That the glory of God came down.

We need to show them that love grew. That grace came. That mercy fell.

We need to show them Jesus. The Christ child. The Messiah. Emmanuel.

Jesus came to this world to save us from our sins. He became sin that we might be delivered from it. He came to redeem us with His precious blood. He came to grant us forgiveness and take away our bondage. Jesus came that we might taste of eternal life. Abundant, overflowing, amazing life everlasting. Jesus came to die. For me and for you.

Jesus.

That is why Christmas is so special.



Beth

23 comments:

Denise said...

Our lives need to speak "Christmas" 365 days a year.

Shalom,
Denise

PS: How is Melissa?

Yolanda said...

I've been pondering about "seeing" instead of not seeing. Because IF the world saw the "seeing" and living Jesus out loud, then perhaps more would be WILLING to step out and LOVE Jesus. I heart you my Friend.

Jamie said...

Thank you for being sweet, precious, You!

Jamie

Heart2Heart said...

Beth,

Great post as always and full of truth. I love to remind our children of the greatest gift we can give and share is the salvation and truth of God.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Nancy said...

I am so glad your words are "out there" floating across the univeerse with the love of God. You do a fine job of being an evangelist. Glory!

Alleluiabelle said...

Precious Sister,

Your words blew softly across and into my heart and soul. So beautifully said. There is nothing more I can add except...I love you.

Hugs,
Alleluiabelle

Nancy M. said...

Amen! Awesome post!

Anonymous said...

Yes! Wonderful post! Christmas should be in our hearts and actions all year long!

petrii said...

Beth,
Absolutely beautifully said. I was thinking about CHRISTmas today and why it is so special. God wrapped in an earthen vessel came to seek and to save that which was lost; us. The glorious message of CHRISTmas!! He came!!!

Thank you for this reminder friend ~~ I love you ~~ Dawn

TRUTH SHARER said...

Beautiful reminder of our JESUS and why He is special. Out of the mouth of babes!!

So glad to hear Melissa is doing better too - I'm still praying!

Love you...

Choosing JOY, Stephanie

Steph T. said...

Thanks so much for the reminder to be an example to not only now but all year! Hope Melissa is having a great day!
Blessings,
Steph

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

By God's mercy and grace, my kids will "see" it in me this Christmas and always.

Not easy backing up our "words" with action; God has certainly given me ample opportunity for just exactly that! How I pray to always remain faithful to the call of the manger and the cross.

peace~elaine

Hope Melissa is feeling better day by day. Prayers continuing.

Kathleen said...

I love it that someone once said: "You may be the only gospel a person hears." May our living of it be more compelling than the giving of it!

Blessings,
Kathleen

Beth E. said...

You are so right, Beth. Our children watch what we do and hear what we say every day. We have to be willing to put action to our words!

Thank you so much for entering my giveaway. Good luck!

Wylie @ Shout A Joyful Noise! said...

AMEN & Hallelujah to this good word!!! SO true! I have been talking to my kids this week about this! I love the way you bottom lined this!
Wylie

LisaShaw said...

Thank you for always sharing HIS truths with us with a touch of your heart-love for HIM.

Beth, it's been a year of praying with and for you and your loved ones and I've been honored to do so. You are very precious to me. I wanted to stop by to tell you that and to wish you and your precious family a very Blessed CHRISTmas and New Year!

May 2010 find you and your family well and walking in the favor of the LORD always.

I love and appreciate you. Thank you for being a blessing to my life. Looking forward to what the LORD will give you to share in 2010.

See you on the other side of the New Year.

JLI said...

Ab. So. Lutely.

I got a good teaching on the Christmas traditions that have evolved into the Christmas millions celebrate every year. It was a real eye-opener.

Point blank, Period. It ALL has to come down to JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD.

Christmas didn't start out about celebrating Jesus' birth. It EVOLVED into that.

Sure, it's great that we focus our attention on His birth this time every year, but His birth is just as relevant on June 22nd as it is May 4th AND December 25th.

What an important message!!!

Without Jesus' birth, we would all be damned to eternal fire. Instead, His birth is our eternal life.

Let's make sure we're celebrating for the right reasons and not turning this sacred season into another Hallmark holiday!

Dontmissyoursunsetlady said...

Beth.

I plan to share with my family. Thank you! I'm too overwhelmed with the truth of this post to expound on it any further, but please know God is using your blog!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

A BIG amen to that. This Ozarks farm chick carries Christmas in her heart every blessed day of the year. Think of all the hearts and lives we can touch during a time span like that. I pray everyday that I let HIS light shine...always and forever.

Ya'll have yourselves a very blessed day!!!

Debbie Petras said...

Great words of wisdom to all of us to remember. I heard it said only the other day that the true reason for the season ...is SIN. Because if we were not sinners we wouldn't need the Savior.

Thank you for visiting Heart Choices today. I think this is my first visit to your blog but I know I will return.

Merry Christmas,
Debbie

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Hey girl, I just wanted to pop over and that you for you sweet comment and hoppin' on my blog. I sure hope ya'll enjoy the ride!

In the words of old Granny Clampett, "ya'll come back now, ya hear!!!"

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

Christmas is indeed special and so are you. Wishing you a blessed Christmas in 2009.

sanjeet said...

living Jesus out loud, then perhaps more would be WILLING to step out and LOVE Jesus. I heart you

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