CHRISTMAS IS COMING!
We are fast approaching one of the most important Christian celebrations of the year—Christmas.
As Christians, we often regret that the true meaning of Christmas seems to be swallowed up by commercialism, fellowship with friends and loved ones, and time off to do whatever we decide, while little—if any—time is spent reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas and celebrating the most amazing gift of all: the gift of eternal life.
However, there is another consideration. Living in parts of the world where Christmas is celebrated—even if commercialized—everyone will, at least briefly, think about why Christmas is observed. In many places, Christmas music is played, some of it carrying a beautiful message. And although most so‑called Christmas movies have little to do with Jesus, they generally focus on love and reconciliation, which is exactly what Jesus desires for us.
In today’s world, wrought with wars and unrest, where the enemy is not as easily distinguishable as on an old‑fashioned battlefield, it can be very difficult to wage warfare skilfully.
Yet Jesus said of Himself: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). What did He mean by this? Let’s look at it step by step.
“I am the way!”
What does this mean? Jesus showed us how to live a fruitful life, how to access the power of God in our lives, and how to rise above the circumstances that come against us. This is not something we can do on our own. It requires a relationship with Him, where we learn His ways and put aside our own.
His way requires:
• Living by faith, faith which comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This, in turn, requires that we spend time in the Word.
• Releasing faith, which is done by speaking the Word (2 Corinthians 4:13) and by obeying the Word (John 7:17).
“And the truth.”
In other words, our Christian life cannot consist merely of an occasional visit to church. To live a successful Christian life, we must give it our all and make it a lifestyle. When we do this, then we will know whether the doctrine is of God or of man (John 7:17). A life lived in faith and obedience produces results, and we will see that His Word is indeed truth (John 17:17).
“And the life.”
Outside of Christ, there is no life. There is existence, but not true life. The Spirit of God is what brings life (Genesis 2:7). When Adam and Eve sinned, they died spiritually—the Spirit of God departed from them, and they were separated from Him. They did not cease to exist, but they lost fellowship with God.
There is a Heaven and there is a Hell. Jesus spoke about both. To live a life of love, joy, peace, and abundance forever, we must be born again (John 3:3–8). Romans 10:9–10 says that if we believe in our heart and confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead, we shall be saved.
Then we shall receive the most truly amazing Christmas gift of all—the gift of eternal life: eternal fellowship with God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And we shall not see hell.
A Prayer to Receive This Gift
If you have not yet received this wonderful gift, simply pray:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You are the Son of God and that You rose from the dead. I thank You that You died for my sins and took my punishment upon Yourself. I now receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Please fill me with the Holy Spirit and help me to know Your ways, Your truth, and the true meaning of life. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
