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.