A Christmas Thought

Luke 2:13-14, "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

I had a friend many years ago who despised the Christmas holiday because of its paganism – no presents, trees (Baal bushes he called them), decorations, carols, etc…. I too have studied the paganistic connection to the holiday, but I have come to a different conclusion about the entire situation than my friend did. My understanding comes from spending a great deal of time studying the Scriptures. So to you who may feel as my friend did or to you who feel that our emphasis should only be on Christ’s death, not His birth, please hear me out. If Christmas- Christ’s birth is not important then why are there more Scriptures about the birth of Christ than of heaven, hell, rewards, spiritual gifts, and marriage? If Christmas is not important then why was it specifically announced or revealed to Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Simon, Anna, shepherds, and the wise men? If Christmas is not important then why did Mary, the shepherds, and the heavenly host rejoice so much? If Christmas is not important why did a royal delegation from the East come bearing such expensive gifts? And if Christmas is not important why are so many humanists trying to eliminate it or reduce it to just a seasonal holiday? Today’s Christmas Thought reminds us that the birth of Christ should cause us to say like the angels, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." The birth of Christ was the fulfillment of numerous Scriptures and was necessary in order for Him to later die. This is why the angels announced that the Savior had been born; now we announce that He has also died and the reason for it. No pagan can cause me to not celebrate what heaven celebrated. Today, join me in rejoicing that our Savior was born.