Christmas Spelled Out
What does Christmas mean to you? For some it is a time of rejoicing and blessing; for others it is a curse. Christmas may be either spiritual or it can be satanic. Each letter in the word Christmas suggests these thoughts to me. For example, “C” suggests either Christ or carnality.
To most people, Christmas means an ever-growing list of family, friends, business associates and neighbors for whom you must buy presents. It is a fatiguing, shopping ordeal that ends only when the last check has been written and your bank account is as dry as the Sahara. It is a lavishly spread dinner table which taxes your will power to keep from being a glutton. It is a tree, lights, candy canes, colored balls, holly wreaths, tinsel, toys, a mink coat, a red sports car, a cabin cruiser, or a new house. Most people miss the real significance of Christmas.
The apostle John reminds us of the true meaning as he writes, For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Christmas is more than tinsel, ribbons, presents, and parties. Christmas is Jesus Christ honored and magnified in our hearts and lives.
The letter “H” suggests happiness, but for many it is merely humor. True happiness goes deep into the heart of man—a result of the new birth experience through belief in Christ. Humor is merely a surface experience—a laugh tonight but sorrow in the morning. The angels declared to the shepherds, keeping watch over the sheep, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Lasting joy is found in Jesus Christ.
“R” stands for redemption, which Christ came to bring; but, for many, it is revelry. We read, in Galatians 4:4-5, But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. Christ was born into this world to save us from sin and to provide us with life and hope. But, for many, Christmas simply means revelry, carousing, drinking, office parties and lust.
“I” suggests inspiration, but for many it means indulgence such as overeating, amusement, and self-abuse. How different it is for the believer in Christ! It is a time of inspiration as we celebrate Christ, the Son of God. Years before the baby Jesus was born, His birth had been foretold. He was given five names which are listed in Isaiah 9:6-7. For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end. Hundreds of years before His birth, Christ was named by His Heavenly Father.
Now we come to the letter “S”. The real meaning of Christmas includes sacrifice. In Matthew 1:21, we read, And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. To save lost humanity from sin demanded a blood sacrifice. Christ came to give Himself as that sacrifice, that all who believe on Him might be eternally saved. For the unbeliever, however, Christmas tends toward selfishness. There is little or no thought of God. Gifts are usually given, but only with an eye to receiving.
“T” stands for triumph. Christmas reminds us of the overwhelming victory wrought by Jesus Christ. On that first Christmas, the heavenly host appeared to the shepherd, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Where is this peace? It is in the heart of everyone who truly believes on Jesus. Good will toward men is, literally, “men of good will.” God’s redeemed ones are those who possess the peace the angel spoke about. There is great triumph in the message of Christmas—the peace of God. How different it is for the unsaved. Christmas to them is not triumph, but tension and trouble. From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the pressure and tension of shopping and preparing is almost unbearable. But, oh the wonderful peace we have in God. We read in the word of God, Isaiah 26:3, Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee. When we know Christ, we have peace within, and what a mighty triumph this is over the afflictions and sorrows of life.
The letter “M” stands for mission, which is the basic meaning of Christmas as far as I am concerned. We are told in Luke 19:10 The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Christmas embodies the mission of the coming of the Son of God to provide salvation for all. Of course, for the unsaved, the letter “M” does not stand for mission, but misery. Consider the drinking crowd. Christmas for most of these people results in misery. Maybe you have been part of this misery because you don’t know the satisfaction of being in Jesus Christ. O dear friend, you need Him. What a wonderful time to receive the Christ of Christmas and know the joy about which the angel spoke, the joy of the Lord! It was just about this time, many years ago, that I came to the Savior and it has been joy ever since. Oh, there have been hard places, I’ve had difficulties and problems, but always God led me through with His marvelous joy and peace.. What a thrill for me to know Christ.
The letter “A” stands for assurance. Listen to the prophecy of Micah 5:2. 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. The little baby born at Christmas came to be the ruler of the world. He has not assumed this position yet, but He will return to do this. He will not come back as a little baby. He will be King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. Christmas does not mean assurance to the unsaved, however. It means amusement, good times, fun, and frolic. The expression Merry Christmas is symbolic of what the unsaved expect out of Christmas. But they don’t have anything down deep inside like the child of God has. What a wonderful privilege to know Christ!
The last letter is the letter “S” which stands for submission. Should Christmas not be a time when every believer recommits his life to the control of Christ? The apostle declared, in John 3:30, He must increase, but I must decrease. This should be the believer’s desire at Christmas. It is not so for the unbeliever—Christmas does not mean submission to him. Usually, it means sin, having your fling, living it up. There’s no joy in that. I urge you to come to Christ and have your first real Christmas. J. Allen Blair
For unto us a child is born...call His name Jesus!
The Music of Christmas
During the week of December 18-22, we’re featuring the music of Jeff Apthorp. If you hear this music and want a CD, then you may contact him for ordering details. You may reach Jeff at the Sound Amazing web site or by phone:
www.soundamazing.com
(704) 577-0609
Wintery Weather
The featured message in print for this month is, Facing The Storms, written by Dr. Blair. During his 93 years, he’s faced some storms and has found the Lord to be faithful. The outcome has not always been his choosing, but as you read this message in print, you’ll find that God’s ways are best for us—even in the storms!
Write for a free copy, and remember that every contact you make is important to Glad Tidings.
Your Legacy and Glad Tidings Ministry
What will happen to your wealth when you go to be with the Lord? Glad Tidings has been blessed this year with gifts from those who have already entered into eternity with Christ. Although we do not have representatives to visit and counsel with you, including Glad Tidings in your will is a way to make sure the messages continue to be broadcast over the air waves.
Giving While You Are Living
Additionally, remember that you can receive tax benefit while you are living, by giving stock that has appreciated. You may donate it and take a tax deduction for the current value. Glad Tidings will benefit by your gift without a penalty to you! This is a way to increase your gift.