'Tis [Always] the Season

I have to admit, this is just about my favorite time of year. I love the cooler [cold] weather; even though I'm cold-natured, I still like it cold outside. I love the atmosphere of Christmas, from the music on the radio to the decorations. I just love it!

There are a lot of people talking about Jesus being reason for the season and I am glad that people's minds turn to thoughts of Jesus this time of year, but that always makes me wonder why those same people do not talk about Him the other eleven months out of the year. It may come as a surprise to some, but Jesus did not come into this world to give us a holiday. He came to seek and to save that which was lost, at least, that's what He told a little fellow by the name of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:10).

Most people who celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday believe that this is the day of Jesus' birth. My purpose here is not to argue about that point. In this note from friend Barnabas I would like to use one of the songs we sing this time of year as a springboard to find some words of encouragement. Christmas or not, there are some pretty scary things going on in the world today. A lot of the uncertainty we are dealing with is because of politics, both national and international. What's going to happen in the next decade, next year, next month? We have never known the answer to that question in the past, but at least the future seemed a little more secure not so very long ago; now, however, it's a whole different story, isn't it?

On the night of Jesus' birth, an angel stood before a group of shepherds in the fields and announced good tidings of great joy to them. A great thing had happened...in the city of David a Savior was born, Who is Christ the Lord (Luke 2:10, 11). That announcement was immediately followed by the appearance of a heavenly host with the angel who said, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:13, 14). People are singing those words right now, during these days leading up to Christmas.

Here is the encouraging part...the reason this was a "great thing" that had happened: The grace of God had appeared, bringing salvation to all men (Titus 2:11). We echo the words of the heavenly host and say, "Glory to God in the highest!" We, too, pray for peace on earth, but not peace between nations. We mean peace between God and man (Romans 5:1). Of course we want there to be peace between nations, but whether that happens or not, our prayer is that those who have no relationship with God, will submit to Him in humble, obedient faith. That is our "goodwill toward men," that men, all men...all people everywhere will repent of their sins (Acts 17:30) and take advantage of the incredible grace that appeared in the person of Jesus.

God sent His Son into this world as a human baby Who would grow into a man and die on a cross to give us the opportunity to be saved from our sins if we obey in faith the conditions of that offer. Yes, I think we can say that a great thing has happened! And with that realization we understand that it is ('tis) always the season to rejoice (be jolly). I hope you enjoy this holiday season and determine that you will live for Him everyday of the coming year. He loves you, you know, and so do I.

Donnie Bates