4 Reasons I celebrate Christmas

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Luke 1:30-32 (NKJV)

A new Christmas season is here. It seems it comes sooner and departs even more quickly than it arrived. As it is often said, “When you hear Christmas music it means Thanksgiving is just around the corner.”

I want to take this time to extend my holiday wishes to you personally, and to your families offering my sincerest desire to you for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and fulfilling New Year. Whether you feel you may celebrate Christmas or not, is between you and the Lord (Colossians 2:16-17). I was once counseled by a trusted shepherd, “Ken, there’s nothing in the Scriptures that commands us to observe the birth of Christ, and there’s nothing in Scripture that forbids it, either. The choice is yours.”

I have 4 reasons why I have the freedom to celebrate Christmas:

(1) Forgiveness and reconciliation. Jesus was born so my broken fellowship with God could be reconciled and restored. 

(2) Love demonstrated by giving. God freely gave me what was most precious to Him in His only begotten Son (John 3:16). I can freely give of myself in so many ways that help and bring relief to others that cause them to glorify our Father in Heaven for any good work I can do. 

(3) Life, both physical & eternal. It relieves my burden of guilt and shame by God’s forgiveness through Christ that completely justifies me in His eyes. I live a more satisfied life now with the knowledge it is life eternal in its fullest beauty and glory, right now and forever.

(4) Hope. Without hope there is despair. With hope I rejoice that this world is fleeting and what I do not currently see now, I yet sense and believe. This invisible world is the truer reality. God exists and is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). 

I do not worship Celtic men of oak, pine trees, boughs, wreaths of holly, candles, lights, ornaments, the sun, moon, stars, winter solstices, nor revere Stone Henge, or Mother Earth, but only our Father in heaven. I celebrate Christmas for one reason-and one reason alone-Jesus Christ who, as God, became a human just like me. He was born as a wee babe and laid in a manger. He did so to save me from my sins (Matthew 1:21, John 1:1, 14). These are things indeed worth celebrating.

I will be taking a short break from our study in 1^st Samuel to rest, recharge and refocus on family. Take time to do the same and be zealous to do good to all and especially to the family of believers (Galatians 6:10). 

I will return 9 January of 2023 and resume our study in 1st Samuel. Best wishes to you all and God bless you one and all. Thanks for your continued support and prayers. God is faithful. Praise His holy name. Merry Christmas from the Evans household and a very Happy New Year!

Ken & Family