Disclaimer: This article is not going to be about whether someone feels Christmas is not to be celebrated. I do, my family does, and in clear conscience. So I will not be allowing comments against the celebration, troubling another’s conscience, if you feel led not to, no condemnation from us. As always, Scriptures are linked to make it easier to enjoy.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 speaks of Times and Seasons in the upcoming Day of the Lord (His time of Judgment). And as believers, many are experiencing a Season right now of sadness or sorrow. I believe for a lot of us, it has to do with the increasing darkness, evil and injustice we see in these perilous times (2 Tim 3).

Some of my dear friends and family have recently suffered loss of a loved one, or their business, homes, livelihoods. Other Christian friends in other countries have suffered far greater losses than I’ll likely ever know — some wondering where their next meal may come from, they may not have a place to lay their head. The Lord is their Comforter, and in the long run, these things will be replaced many times over. It will be better than O.K. soon dear believer. We mourn with you.

Children of the Light

If you are a believer, then He says we are children of the Light. We have much to look forward to, even in sadness, loneliness or hurt. I hope in light of that, this Season will be an exciting one for you too, as we look forward to the Rapture and redemption of our bodies, no matter our circumstances here. We will soon be with the one who loves us so much He gave His life for us. If you are hurting, whether a believer or not, please let us know, we care. Place a comment in the comments below, your email will be revealed only to the administrators of this site.

He’s coming for His church, and very soon.

The Celebration of the Birth of our Savior

I can think of a lot of reasons for Christians to celebrate or remember Christ’s birth, no matter what time of year. And I pray this year that some can put aside some legalistic things they have been learned and instead consider spend time with loved ones at least celebrating all we have thankful for. This is a wonderful opportunity to share the good news of Christ’s first coming to any who you come across. We can share about so many of the prophecies of His first coming. Right now, there are an awful lot of reasons for them to come to belief. And believers can comfort one another with the good news that He’s coming again; first to gather His church to Him in the clouds, and later He will set His feet back down on the Mount of Olives at the end of the Tribulation.

I’d like to share with you some of the things I reflect on in certain aspects of the celebration of His birth (assuming we make it about that).

Joy in the morning

About a year or so before my late husband Gilbert died, I had gone on a trip to the mountains with a friend in the dead of Arizona summer. Thousands upon thousands of acres of the Pines had burned, it was really dismal, and I was not looking forward to our time there as we drew closer to the dark woods.

BUT GOD… I saw so much of God’s Word and truth everywhere I looked — in and through the blackened Pines. The adornment of the wildflowers springing up among the blackened ashes (made me think of ‘beauty from ashes’, the oil of joy for mourning – Is 61:3). The things I couldn’t see with the visible eye (while taking pictures), that later the digital proof of the zoom lens was revealed. All over, His creation shouted out His Word silently in my head, seemingly everywhere I looked. It reminded me of the rocks crying out if we will not.

Christmas now does the same for me in a miraculous way if I will let Him. Sure, we can be tired, overwhelmed, stretched, or stressed, so we do need to be careful of our choices during this time (or any). We can choose that whatever we decide to do, we will do it as unto Him and in JOY (Col 3:23).

Celebrate or not, but rejoice in the Lord always! And share that good news with others. 

NOTE: If you would like the good news (gospel) in a booklet form, and to have some to share with others (even if you do not have the funds to buy some hard copies), please comment on the bottom of this article and we will make sure you get some at no charge to you.

WAS JESUS BORN DECEMBER 25th?

In another article I wrote (on whether Christmas is pagan), I share some compelling things to consider (by Zola Leavitt, Dr. Cassel and Alfred Edersheim) regarding the possibility of this time of the year (I am only citing them, not recommending them). However, whatever the day of His birth, the Bible is silent.

The reason we celebrate Christ’s birth should be the joy of His incarnation. His coming to the earth to offer Himself for us, a substitute, the perfect sacrifice. Spend Christmas this year reflecting on these things, just as we remember His death and resurrection in the communion.

Do you know Him? Do you know where you would go if you died today?

THE KING OF KINGS & LORD OF LORDS

Anyone can do something for the wrong reason (such as being compelled to give gifts one cannot afford to give). This is not what this time of year is about. Consider losing some of the things that might bring you into bondage, no matter what they are. Don’t operate off of guilt if you can help it. Try to do all you do (with His help) as unto Him. Ask for opportunities and ways to feel joyful at this time and whatever you give (time, energy, gifts), let it be as unto Him and if you just want to hang back, make sure you keep your mind stayed on Him.

We three Kings of Orient are – The Magi

The Magi (aka, wise men or some say Kings or King Makers), came to worship Jesus and bring gifts. They followed the Star of Bethlehem to where Jesus was born (Isaiah 60:6). We are sure that they knew of the promised King likely because Daniel the Prophet apprised them of it in his prophecies, and they were from that area (Dan 9:24-27). Throughout Scriptures we see the Messiah as a Prophet, Priest and King. These ‘magi’ or ‘King makers’, had already seen mighty things come of Daniel’s prophecies in history and surely, we know they continued to watch for the Promised One.

Were there only three Kings or Magi?

Micah had foretold where the Messiah would be born (Micah 5:2) Some think that there were three Kings or Magi, likely because of the number of gifts mentioned. However many there were, they came with gifts worthy of a King. It was not at His birth, but later when Jesus was a young child or infant (probably well under 2 since Herod killed all under 2 once he realized they had not returned).

THE GIFTS

The Meaning of Gold

Gold was a gift worthy to give Kings, (along with being seen all over within the temple). The Pharaoh honored Joseph with a gift of a gold chain around his neck. Abraham was blessed with gold. It symbolizes many thing, purity, blessing, honor, and again — a gift worthy of the King.

The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.  Psalm 72:10-11 (a Psalm spoken to Solomon and ultimately to Jesus Christ)

The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the Lord.  Isaiah 60:6

The meaning of Frankincense

It is not necessarily as clear. It could be like the offerings of incense, representative of our prayers. Frankincense was used in temple service, and/or acknowledgment of Jesus being God – Holy to the Lord (Ex. 30:34-38). Our prayers are now mediated by our High Priest, and we see the prayers of the saints stored in golden vials in heaven. (Rev 5:8)

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Ps 141:2

The meaning of Myrrh

Possibly signifies a Holy Anointing oil. Used in service in the temple, also was part of the final offering to Him on the cross (which He declined). Myrrh was also used in the anointing of dead bodies when they prepared them for burial, providing a beautiful fragrance. Jesus, was called God’s Anointed One, the Messiah (Psalm 2). Song of Solomon 1:13 says, “A bundle of myrrh is my beloved to me.“

THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom 6:23 (Do you have eternal life?)

What I see in the Green, White and Red that are used at Christmas

GREEN signifies eternal or everlasting life. As Isaiah 55 puts it, come buy this eternal life without cost. That is what the evergreen tree means to me — eternal life, by His work on the cross.

RED reminds me of the blood Christ shed for me, along with Isaiah 1:18, our sins may be like crimson, but He will make them WHITE as snow (when we believe upon Christ and Him crucified for our sins — risen again from the dead to give us everlasting life.)

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CITY OF BETHLEHEM EPHRATHAH

The city of David where Christ was born has much significance. Bethlehem Ephrathah is the first mentioned in the Bible as where Rachel (Jacob/Israel’s) mother was buried. 

The Hebrew meaning of Bethlehem is special, (בֵּית לֶחֶם‎ Bet Lehem) means ‘House of Bread’. We of course know that Jesus is the true Bread, the Bread from Heaven.  Jesus said, I am the Bread of Life (see the Seven “I AM” statements article here).

King David was born in Bethlehem and crowned King there. The OT refers to Jerusalem as the ‘City of David — the NT, identifies it twice as Bethlehem. David came from the little city of Bethlehem, it is where he fed his sheep (1 Sam 17:15). Even though later He became King of Jerusalem, Luke reminds us of the little humble beginnings of a Shepherd boy from whom would come the Great Shepherd.

Bethlehem may have been called the ‘least among the princes of Judah’, but from out of them, would come the One that would rule His people — Jesus. Salma, the father of Boaz, was the founder of the city of Bethlehem. Boaz is a type of the Kinsman Redeemer to come. Christ is that Kinsman Redeemer. Only God is Savior, only God is our Redeemer. Christ the Savior is Lord, and was born in the City of David (Bethlehem).

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.  Numbers 24:7

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah*, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.  Micah 5:2

If we give gifts to others, let us remember to bring the most important gift to others, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray for opportunities to share the good news at this time of the year.

WHAT DOES THE WORD CHRISTMAS MEAN?

Isn’t Christmas the name the Roman Catholics assigned to it?

The earliest reference to celebrating Christ’s birth was around 202 AD. The word suffix “mas” comes from the Old English “messe” which ‘simply’ means “feast“. In other words, Christ-mas, is the feast of Christ.”

And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. John 6:35

There is no better reason for a celebration among the saints!

Remember, in celebrating His birth, we are also remembering why He came, and that He died for us that we might live eternally with Him.

I am so very happy that Christ died for me, because He also rose again. God, the Messiah had the power to take His life back up again (Jn 10:17-19). By His death on the cross for my sin, and by His resurrection, He had the victory over sin, death and the grave (1 Cor 15:50-58). 

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST, ON EARTH PEACE, GOOD WILL TOWARD MEN!

Who in History celebrated the birth of Christ?

The Consolation of Israel

We should probably have a Simeon and Anna too as I love that part so much (Luke 2:25-38).

Simeon, Anna, the Angels, the Shepherd’s, His family, the animals, and eventually the King Makers (Magi), celebrated His birth, and SO WILL I!! And prayerfully I will do it unto the Lord. 

Was Christ’s birth in Winter?

At this time of the year in December, the distance of the sun is the furthest from the earth, so it is/was the darkest time of the year. So celebratingthe Light of the World coming at this time is sure something wonderful to ponder. Whatever day it is, we have experienced the miracle of the greatest gift that was ever given.

Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

Emmanuel: God has come to Tabernacle among men. He brought the good news to the Jews first, then the Gentiles. He came once, and He is coming again. 

Joy to the world, the Lord has come!

When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, (Numbers 24:17) which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.  And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.  Matt 2:9-11

OUR CHRISTMAS TREE

I see the cross of Christ in the tree, that curse He took for us (Gal 3:13; Deut 21:23). I recall the first tree, which Adam and Eve ate of, causing the first curse. 

Christ’s Sacrifice on the Cross in great love

We are told in Hebrews, that Abraham in faith offered up Isaac, knowing that God had made him a promise that the Seed (or Savior) would come through Isaac. We see this FORESHADOWING of God’s own great love towards us. He told Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. God said, “Take your son whom you LOVE”. (Gen 22 – John 3:16)

God’s Provision of the Lamb of God

But as we know God stopped Abraham & provided the sacrifice, foreshadowing again the PERFECT SACRIFICE that was to come along with the love God showed us in offering the Son of His love.

Then Abraham lifted his eyes and looked, and there behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by its horns. So Abraham went and took the ram, and offered it up for a burnt offering instead of his son.  And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide.  Gen 22:13-14b

THIS IS THE TRIUMPH! He nailed it to His Cross (Col 2:13-15).

The Season of our Joy!

The Feasts were given to Israel. Christ fulfilled four of the seven in His first coming. One that reminds me of what we celebrate is the Feast of Tabernacles. The Feast of Tabernacles actually means “THE SEASON OF OUR JOY”.  

The sukkah/booth was a dwelling which was made of, (and covered with) green branches and boughs from trees. A time to ponder how God delivered them from Egypt during the Passover (who was in the cloud, in the pillar of fire, in the burning bush, in the Rock that they struck water from?). We believers have already been delivered by the perfect Passover Lamb. God tabernacles among us, our body is His temple (1 Cor 6:19). 

The Sukkah likewise was decorated with lights, and hanging ornaments that represented their first fruits. Jesus is the firstfruits (1 Cor 15:23).  

I remember marveling about these things during my first introduction to the Feast of booths or Tabernacles. It reminded me of our tree — the lights, the ornaments. Their sukkah outside, some say Jesus was born in a manger (like a sukkah) and stayed there for eight days until He was circumcised, which is significant to the New Covenant, the circumcision of our hearts. But we bring our trees inside.

Just as He indwells us, so is the Christmas tree to me a reminder of eternal life sitting in my living room. No god for me, I am not worshiping the tree — it is just a sweet aromatic reminder.  So should we be. <3  This is a time we can be showing Christ’s love to others maybe a little more easily, (although it should always be). 

Now thanks be unto God, who always causeth us to triumph in Christ and who maketh manifest through us the savor of His knowledge in every place.   For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in those who are saved and in those who perish:  to the one we are the savor of death unto death, and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? 2 Cor 2:14-16

Jesus came for the Lost House of Israel, and when they rejected His offer of the Kingdom, the Gentiles were grafted in to the Promise of the blessing of salvation. When we received Him (Jn 1:12), Jesus came in to dwell (tabernacle) in our hearts by faith (Romans 8:9; Eph 3:17). He indwells us forever.

The tree topped with either the star of Bethlehem (or some put an angel – heralding the BIRTH of our Saviour). Last year, an old angel from our family was found from the 1940s. It now tops our tree.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:10-11

CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS

The lights not only represent the Light of the world to us, but the eternal life He brings. The twinkling lights encircle the tree, round and round, from top to bottom, I can’t help but smile in remembrance of His great love for the World. The Light of His glorious gospel has gone around the world and brought light into the darkness.

I love the different colored lights, which remind me of the redeemed from every tongue, tribe and nation (seen in Rev 5:9). Also Phil 2:15, tells us we are to shine as lights in the world.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SNOW BLANKET 

The snow blanket that many wrap around the bottom remind me of one of my favorites. This time of the year we are furthest from the sun, kind of perfect timing for the Light of the World to be born.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.  Isaiah 1:18 (I like to tease and say this is proof He was born in winter)

The blanket also reminds me of the swaddling clothes (which I will go into later in this article).

THE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS TREE ORNAMENTS IN MY FAMILY

The secular definition of an ornament is something used to grace something to make it more attractive. We love to buy Christmas ornaments that have different meanings to us, I shared just a few pictures. 

But Christmas ornaments bring to my mind how wisdom is likened unto an ornament of grace in Proverbs. Being justified freely by the grace that Jesus gives, the fear of the Lord being the beginning of wisdom. The crown of glory that our Lord of Glory gives to us.   

I also love this passage, seeing the ornaments and jewels on the bridegroom and bride. The garment of salvation also reminds me of what we lay around the bottom of the tree, His blood shed for us, His righteousness covers us.

Look at how the Bridegroom and Bride is described here, THIS gives me such joy to decorate my tree with things that honor Him, and the gifts that He has blessed me with:

I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.   For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.  Isaiah 61:10-11

Ornaments may make the tree look better, but eternal life is freely offered and we can offer nothing on top of it. Too many try to adorn the gospel message with excellency of speech of men’s wisdom (1 Cor 2), but the gospel is simple. God’s Grace that brings salvation needs nothing to adorn it. Eternal life is free and is appropriated by faith alone in Jesus Christ (who He is) and Him crucified (what He has done).

THE MEANING OF THE CANDY CANE

This is a sweet story of the Candy Cane, whether true, or not, I do not know, but it is enjoyable to reflect on the Scriptures and remembrances of what Christ has done in our place. We see it as the staff and rod that comforts us. The Good Shepherd that He is. His blood that washes us white as snow (Rev 1:5-6; Is 1:18).

REJOICE AND BE JOYFUL IN OUR GOD!

The gifts under the tree are exciting to the little ones. But the most exciting gift of all, was the free gift of salvation that Jesus brought. Do you remember how you received that gift?

Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Mark 10:15

All these things and more are interwoven into our traditions, remembrances, joy, songs and praise in celebrating the birth of Christ our Savior.  If you do it, try to do it unto the Lord.  Use the opportunity to share Christ with others.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS WREATH

The wreath has always reminded me of the crown of thorns*, the thorny leaves of the Holly, the red berries reminding me of the drops of blood my King shed for me, the scorn He endured silently.  If you Google the meaning of the Christmas wreath, some of the meanings of the never ending circle will include the eternality of our God, and evergreen is the promise of life unending for believers.

*THE THORNS – Man’s curse that He took upon His brow (Gen 3:17-18)

And they stripped him, and put on him a scarlet robe.  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews! 

And they spit upon him, and took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the robe off from him, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him.  Matt. 28:31

SWADDLING CLOTHS SIGNIFY THE PERFECT SACRIFICE

The Shepherds were outside the camp, they were the lowliest of the people. This was the same place the bodies of the sacrifices were burned, where the lepers were sent, where in Hebrews 13 we are told to join Jesus in His reproach, without the camp.

The Shepherds watched over the sacrificial lambs, and in order to keep them without blemish, from the time they were born, until the time of sacrifice, they were wrapped in Swaddling cloths to keep them from nicking their fur, cutting themselves, or doing something that would cause them to be an unacceptable sacrifice.

Isn’t it significant that our humble Savior, the suffering Servant was announced to the humble keepers of the sacrifices (lambs)? That He was wrapped in those same swaddling cloths?

John the Baptist told us who Jesus was…. Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the World. 

WE were (are) the sinners that need that Perfect Sacrifice.

2 Cor 5:21 says, For He made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Swaddling cloths – One of the signs to the Shepherds

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.  For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.  Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.  But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.  Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them (from Luke 2).

Read More Here on the Scriptures behind the Christmas Music

Christ Prophesied in the Old Testament

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

His Name is Wonderful

And the Angel of the LORD said to him,

“Why do you ask My name, seeing it is wonderful?” Judges 13:8

The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.  Is 10:21

Doubtless thou art our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O Lord, art our father, our redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  Is 63:16

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See it in written/printable form here