The True Meaning of Christmas

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm sick and tired of seeing "Happy Holidays" in stores and in advertising flyers. Have we forgotten why we celebrate Christmas as Christians? Here's a little reminder. . .

C is for the Christ child who was born nearly 2,000 years ago in a manger in Bethlehem. "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. - Luke 1:31

H is for the HOPE that Jesus brings to all who believe in Him and trust Him with their salvation. "Through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." - Romans 5:2

R is for the resurrection of Jesus Christ who was born of a virgin, lived a sinless lief, was both man and God, died on the cross for all of our sins, and then was raised from the dead (resurrected) and is now sitting at the right hand of God in heaven. " For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. " - 2 Cornithians 5:21

I is for Israel who God chose to bring forth the promised savior of the world. "From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior--Jesus-- " - Acts 13:23

S is for the salvation that Jesus offers to all who are willing to confess their sin, believe in Him, and confess their belief in Jesus with their mouth. "That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9

T is for the empty tomb of Easter morning. "He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you." - Matthew 28:6-7

M is for the mercy God has shown the world by sending His only Son to suffer for our sins and bridge the gap between man and God. " Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. " - Hebrews 4:16

A is for our Awesome God who loves us. "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends" - John 15:13

S is for the shining light that Jesus brought to the world! "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." - John 8:12