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Christmas is a time of celebration – remembering the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. More than two thousand years ago, Jesus was born, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
Christmas is God coming to live among men. "Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel", which being interpreted is, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23).
As a child, Jesus must have lived just like any other boy and girl, except that He never sinned. He must have played and laughed with them, but the children did not know that one day, Jesus will die on that rugged cross as Savior of the world.
Nowadays, Christmas celebration is filled with joyous festivities and extravagance that every child look forward to. The gifts, the food, and the fun.
Lest we lose sight of the real meaning of Christmas, let us bring back our children to the Word. Let the many symbols that we see around serve as visual aids to help us teach Bible truths to point our children to Jesus. That He may be the center of our thoughts, our love and celebration this Christmas.
PONDER ON THE TRUTHS ABOUT THE SYMBOLS OF CHRISTMAS
• The STAFF
Let the shepherd’s staff remind us that Jesus is the Good Shepherd Who takes care of us. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep (John 10:11).
Prayer: Dear Lord thank you that You know me by name and that You watch over me. Amen.
• The LAMB
The lamb reminds us that Jesus is the Lamb of God; Door of the sheep; Shepherd and Guardian; Shepherd of Israel; Passover; the Good Shepherd. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid (Luke 2:8-9).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You are the Good Shepherd. Thank you for taking care of me and for watching over me all the time. Amen.
• The WREATH
Let the wreath remind us of the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus’ head. Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us (Matthew 1:23).
Prayer: Dear God thank you for the victory I have when I obey You with all my heart and mind. Amen.
• MANGER-CROSS
The Old Testament prophets prophesied that the Savior would be born in Bethlehem. He is the God Who is near; Immanuel; the Messiah; Son of the Living God. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child (Luke 2:16-1).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the hope that one day I will be with You in heaven. Amen.
• The CROWN
The crown reminds us that Jesus is the King. He is the King of Glory; King of the Jews; King of the nations; King of the ages; King eternal; King of kings. Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him (Matthew 2:1-2).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, I cannot understand why the "King of kings" had to come and die for me but I thank You anyway. Amen.
• The STAR
Let the star remind us that Jesus is the Bright and morning star. He leads the way. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was (Matthew 2:9).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for the story of Christmas with its message of faith and hope. Amen.
• GIFTS
Let the gifts remind us that God gave us the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold and frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11).
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You love me very much. I would like to show my love to You also by loving others. Amen.
May these truths lead us to a closer walk with the God-man, Jesus Christ,
Who laid aside His heavenly glory
in order to live among men, women and children.
Taken from "The GLORY of CHRISTMAS",
edited by Wil & Jacquie Chevalier
CEF AP Family News
Oct-Dec 2005
