The Implications of Christmas

 "And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10, ESV)

It is a historical fact that Jesus was born on earth, in Bethlehem in a manger. He lived for about 33 years, was crucified, buried and He rose from the dead and after 40 days ascended into Heaven.  At this time every year, Christmas is celebrated. Many unbelievers hate the word Christmas but enjoy the holiday associated with it. In many circles, the phrase Merry Christmas has been changed to Happy Holidays. It is unfortunate and an error of judgement. Noone, no government can delete the birth of Jesus from the anals of history. Jesus, although born in a manger in Bethlehem, changed the world forever. The time of his birth has became a reference point, either as B.C. or A.D. In order to put events into a time context, their occurrences are either classified as happening before Christ (B.C.) or after Christ (A.D.). Interesting, isn't it! 

The angel Gabriel announced the conception and birth of Jesus to Mary (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38). Joseph the husband of Mary was told in a dream "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Jesus was to reiterate this divine mission - the salvation of mankind and His commitment to it. Since the incarnation of Jesus and His consequent death and resurrection, billions of individuals have surrendered their lives to Jesus. The importance of Christmas in the history of mankind cannot be overemphasized. Are you born again? Have you taken advantage of the birth of Jesus? Jesus is the only Way, the Truth and the Life. In Him is life. He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (John 11:25). Belief in Jesus propels you to a life of joy, peace and hope, such as the world cannot give you. Belief in Jesus prepares you for eternity. Remember there are two destinations after death, either Heaven or hell. The Bible states, "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment," (Hebrews 9:27). Jesus said further, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. (John 6:47)

Refusal to believe in Jesus is an individual's right but an exercise of that right has consequences, consequences that are eternal and horrendous. Many ask the question, How can a good and kind God send someone to hell?' It's like asking why God would allow someone who deliberately walks on the path of an oncoming train to be killed. The power of choice (freewill) is one that God will never interfere with. We all have rights to do what we want, but we must be prepared to face consequences. The Bible says, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap." (Galatians 6:7). Hell was created for Satan and his demons, a place of eternal and unimaginable punishment from which there is no escape. Such a place is what the devil deserves given all the evil he has perpetrated. In hell, there is no presence of God, so the place is without Light and in total darkness (both physical and spiritual). When an individual decides to disregard the Word of God, the ways of God, and the commandments of God, such an individual literally rejects God and invariably sides with the devil. Consequently such an individual deserves what the devil gets. It's that straightforward. 

Christmas has powerful connotations for the believer and the nonbeliever. The implications of Christmas should be clearly understood otherwise its celebration becomes a meaningless venture. Jesus is the Reason for the season. Without Jesus, Christmas is a waste of time, an exercise in futility and folly. Would you take a step back to examine yourself? Are you on the right track or have you veered off the track, travelling on the road to hell? Hell is not a pleasant place. Someone once said, 'If you miss Heaven, you cannot miss hell.' 

I once read about black holes which are the result of collapsed stars. A black hole has an incredibly high gravitational pull, thereby sucking anything (even electromagnetic radiation) into the hole. Once in the hole the object is compressed into a microscopic object (a tiny space) and cannot get out of the hole. While individuals will not be obliterated in hell in that sense, escape from hell is impossible. There are no second chances. Please do not put yourself on the path of hell; today is your day of decision. Surrender your life to Jesus and He will save you from eternal damnation. He will bless you with life everlasting and the joy and peace of God will be your portion in Jesus' Name. Moreover, eternal bliss in Heaven will be your portion.

Christmas brings memories of God's awesome generosity, the giving of His only begotten Son, Jesus to save mankind. You can be a beneficiary of that wonderful gift today. Jesus is waiting for you today. Call on Him and you will not be disappointed, for He will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).  

For those who are already believers, this Christmas season can be a time for rededication to Jesus. What do you say? Have a blessed Christmas.