CHRISTMAS: THE ESSENCE

RHAPSODY DAILY DEVOTIONAL
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INTRODUCTION

Christmas is a period in the year set aside for the celebration of God’s act of love towards mankind and the remembrance of His work on the Cross of Calvary as well as the visitation of the poor, needy, and less privilege amongst us (charity). The period is the personification of CHRIST’s love (JOHN 3:16-17) for human race. Is a period to reassess our love for Christ and our neighbor.

Suffice to say that, life only has meaning due to what Christ Jesus did on the cross for the human race. Hence, Christmas is not a cultural rite neither an activity of a particular region, rather, the acknowledgement of the love He lavished on everyone. Let us consider how others view Christmas.

OTHER VIEWS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Love came down at Christmas;
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Stars and angels gave the sign.
—Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830–1894)

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Christmas is a time to renew bonds of love. It's a wonderful time when loved ones can show appreciation for each other. It's also a great time to use that love to build bridges of understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. —Shelley Landon

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I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round, as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow pas-sengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. —Charles Dickens (1812–1870)

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Christmas is best enjoyed when it isn't centered on decorations, gifts, or festivities, but when love is at its core. Love is the essence of Christmas. Christmas should mean taking quality time with your family and friends. It's about cherishing and celebrating the love you share. —Jesus

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O little Babe of Bethlehem, though You lie so still, You awaken in us the joy, love, and peace that You wish to spread throughout the world. —Author unknown

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Christmas is a time to see the world through the eyes of love. It's a time to remember that the world is made up of people like us and to see them for who they are inside. All have problems like we do, no matter who they are or where they come from. —Maria Fontaine

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Every day is like Christmas for us because Jesus is so good to us every day, but this time is extra special because He pours out His love in extra measure. We feel His love from loved ones, acquaintances, and even strangers. There's just something about Jesus' birthday that turns those saved people’s hearts and minds to peace and love and goodwill. It brings out the best in everyone because it brings Jesus out, and He's the best!—David Brandt Berg (1919–1994)

Source: http://www.thefamilyinternational.org/....(Love, the Essence of Christmas).

THE ESSENCE OF CHRISTMAS

v Christmas is not to be considered one of the religious duties of a given people (particularly, Christians). No, but look very closely to what the scripture stated at COLOSSIAN 1VERSE15-20; 2VERSE 9. For this the essence of this season. Amen!

v Christmas season is not an avenue to drink to stupor and/or eat like a glutton (no disrespect), rather a time to rededicate and dedicate the whole of oneself to the Creator of everything ROMANS 1&2; 10VERSE9-10.

v Christmas is not a time to indulge in carnality rather, a point to assess your standing in Christ. For Saul in 1SAMUEL 15VERSE20&23 was rejected because of sparing some objects for sacrifice (festivities). And carrying out partial obedience instead of full obedience to the Lord.

v It is a time to give back to Christ all of you. Empathizing with Him all the way. Dying for you, leaving His throne for you to be saved, proclaiming the massage of salvation; opening to your reach, for you to grasp same for free.

v Seeing others as fellow members of God’s creation. And not fellow passengers of the grave. See everyone as deserving to live, be love and be saved.

v The essence of Christmas is not a terminal affair rather an all year affair and life-long process. The love of Christ has to be shared first in our heart, extending same to everyone.

CONCLUSION

Christ loved us and keep loving us. In other words, His love is not a onetime affair. And so, as we celebrate Him for His heroic achievements (PHILIPPIANS 2 VERSE 1-12).  We ought to love Him too and love all His Creation. Love is the reason for the season of Christmas. Hence, its essence. And so, love God and people all the way.

ACTION POINT (CONTINUES)

Keep saying this: LORD help me to love You and people always. Supply to me the grace to love You all my life. Amen!

© Please share this till everyone on the earth sees, hears, and does this – Shalom!