Do you remember your first real Christmas? ∙

Do you remember your first real Christmas? ∙

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. – John 8:32

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

Several decades ago, a young student at UCLA heard that a Christian was coming to speak in his all-Jewish fraternity about Jesus Christ. The announcement was made at the regular fraternity dinner meal. Most of the fraternity brothers thought it was a joke and laughed.

But on the appointed Wednesday night, over 200 students appeared in their living and dining rooms. This was a standard approach used to share the gospel by Campus Crusade for Christ, now called Cru, for those who may not know.

Out of pure curiosity, about five of the Jewish fraternity brothers went to listen.

One Jewish young man found the notion of an intelligent, educated person adhering to what he considered Christian mythology ridiculous,, as it appeared utterly preposterous. The idea that a man was believed to be God, born of a virgin, resurrected from the dead, and died for the world’s sins seemed absurd and based purely on nonsensical myths.

Hal Lindsey, who later authored The Late Great Planet Earth, was the speaker who delivered the presentation.

After he was done speaking, the student approached him and began to bombard him with questions. In response, Hal extended an invitation for the student to meet with him on campus at a convenient time and asked the student to bring his own Bible along. The student could pose any questions he wished, and Hal would endeavor to provide answers using the student’s personal copy of the Bible.

The student took him up on his offer, and for five weeks, they met together. Hal elegantly addressed every question posed by the student. The student soon recognized that the Bible was not a typical book but instead the very Word of God. Further, the Lord Jesus Christ was not an ordinary man. He was indeed the expected Messiah who had been promised to Israel. Following this revelation, the student made a personal decision, prayed, and accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Messiah and Savior. Later that year, for the very first time, the student joyously celebrated his very first Christmas.

For two millennia, myriads of people worldwide have celebrated the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. But what did Christmas really mean to them? When you are on the outside looking in, Christmas is not about Christ at all. It is often merely a time of family gatherings, beautiful decorations, exchanging gifts, and huge festive meals.

But somehow the true meaning of Christmas has been lost to many.

REFLECT & PRAY

John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Father thank You for providing the Savior and Redeemer. Thank You for opening my eyes to see and receive Him as my Savior and Lord.

INSIGHT

For many, Christmas is a beautiful and delightful time of the year. There is a spirit of Christmas in the air. This is reflected in literature and, more recently, movies and television.

But it is much more than that.

Luke 2:10-12

 10 The angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.”

 11 “The Savior – yes, the Messiah, the Lord – has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”

 12 “And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Christmas is intended to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world by those who believe in Him. The Old Testament predicted that he would come and lead people out of darkness into the light.

Isaiah 9:2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

The promised Messiah would bring salvation to the world. The facts are out there for anyone to research and determine. But salvation does not come by merely knowing and understanding facts. It is about accepting and believing in the Person that these facts speak of. It is very personal and individual. It is a decision that anyone can make.

Luke 2:25-32

 25 At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him

 26 and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.

 27 That day, the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required,

 28 Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying,

 29 “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised.

 30 I have seen your salvation,

 31 which you have prepared for all people.

 32 He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”

At that moment, the Father’s promise was fulfilled. Simeon saw and believed. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his personal Savior and Messiah. Anyone can do it.

John 1:12 To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.

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© Dr. H 2023