The Christmas Story

As we enter the week of Christmas, life can get pretty hectic. With all the shopping, decorating, cooking, and socializing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry, there are ways to manage the holiday hustle and bustle and still enjoy the magic of the season.

Some people simplify things with a detailed Christmas list and a to-do list. This helps you prioritize your tasks and ensure that you don’t forget anything important. You can break down your list into categories, such as shopping, cooking, and decorating, and tackle each one separately. You can also delegate tasks to other family members or friends who are willing to help out.

Remember, the holiday season is meant to be enjoyed, not stressed over. By taking a few simple steps to simplify your life during this busy time, you can focus on what really matters – spending time with loved ones, creating special memories and MOST importantly spend time talking with God! Remember the real meaning of Christmas.

Yes, when we think about Christmas, many of us associate it with gift-giving, festive decorations, and delicious food. But at its core, Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

According to the Bible, Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem over 2,000 years ago. His birth was announced by angels and witnessed by shepherds who were tending their flocks nearby. The arrival of the baby Jesus was a miraculous event, and it marked the beginning of a new era in human history.

For Christians, Christmas is a time to reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ birth and to celebrate the hope and joy that it brings. Many attend church services, sing carols, and spend time with loved ones. It is a time to remember the message of peace, love, and goodwill that Jesus brought to the world.

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this year, let us take a moment to appreciate the true meaning of this holiday. Let us remember the humble beginnings of Jesus and the hope that his birth brought to humanity. And let us carry that message of peace and love with us throughout the year to come.

One of my favorite teaching pastors is Chip Ingram. If you are not familiar the Living on the Edge Ministry this would be a good time to get to know Chip Ingram. In a current series Chip asks the question: Why did He come? Why did Jesus come to earth as a little baby? In this two-part series Chip considers the Christmas story from a different perspective that just might change the way you choose to celebrate the season this year.

Chip begins the series talking about “The Baby” that changed the world.

Think about the “BABY” and as Chip so simply explains it’s all about the “BABY.”

• An angel tells Mary about – the Baby!
• Mary couldn’t comprehend having – the Baby!
• Joseph’s problem with Mary is – the Baby!
• And angel tells Joseph to raise – the Baby!
• A manger is the birthplace of – the Baby!
• Shepherds come and worship – the Baby!
• Wise men follow a star to find – the Baby!
• Herod wants to kill – the Baby!

 

Have you ever thought about why Jesus left the comforts of Heaven to come to this broken and sometimes heartless earth?

The story of Jesus leaving heaven to come to earth is one of the most incredible and awe-inspiring events in human history. The Bible tells us that Jesus is the Son of God, who chose to leave the glory and perfection of heaven to come to earth as a human being. This event, known as the incarnation, is the cornerstone of the Christian faith and has been celebrated by believers around the world for centuries.

The reasons for Jesus’ decision to come to earth are many and complex. According to the Bible, Jesus came to earth to save humanity from sin and death, to reconcile us with God, and to show us how to live a life that honors God and serves others. He taught about love, forgiveness, and compassion, and he showed these qualities in his own life by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and befriending the outcasts of society.

For Christians, the story of Jesus’ incarnation is a powerful reminder of God’s love for all of us. It shows us that even though we are flawed and imperfect, God still cares for us deeply and is willing to go to great lengths to help us. It also challenges us to live our lives in a way that reflects the love and compassion that Jesus showed us during his time on earth.

The story of Jesus leaving heaven to come to earth is a remarkable event that has changed your life and my life. It reminds us of the incredible love and compassion of God and challenges us to live our lives in a way that honors him and serves others. As we reflect on the Christmas story, my hope is that we will all be inspired to love and serve those around us, just as Jesus did during his time on earth.

 

Jesus left heaven to reveal God’s word to us.  Jesus left heaven to rescue us from the darkness of evil and more importantly Jesus left heaven a faith and HOPE that will never disappoint us.

A hope that we can read about learn about in the gospel. A hope that Christ is going to return. No matter what you are going through, no matter how hard it is or how difficult or what people are teaching, I want to remind you that Christ is going to return.

And I want to remind you, also, that before He left, He told His disciples then and now, “I am going to prepare a place for you. And if it weren’t so, I wouldn’t say it. Let not your heart be troubled. Do you believe in God? Believe also in Me.”

And the very basis of the gospel, this amazing message hope we find in the Bible: There is a hope that will never disappoint. We are not made just for a time. It’s time but inside of all eternity, Christ in heaven will return, heaven is real, and you learned that – how? By the gospel.

 

One final thought. As we begin the hectic pace of Christmas…the celebration of the birth of “The Baby,” it’s also important to take care of yourself during the holiday season. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to prioritize your own needs. Make time for self-care activities, reading a book, going for a walk and especially reading God’s word.

Try to focus on the positive aspects of the season. Instead of worrying about everything that needs to be done, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the holiday decorations, the warmth of the fire, or the joy on your loved ones’ faces. You can also give back to your community by volunteering at a local charity or donating to a cause you care about.

Your job of a first responder is one of the most challenging and stressful jobs out there. You are the ones who are called in to help during emergencies, to save lives, and to protect the public. THANK YOU! Unfortunately, your job comes with a heavy toll. The suicide and divorce rate among first responders is too high. The constant exposure to traumatic events, long hours, and lack of support can take a toll on first responders’ mental health….YOUR mental health.

According to recent studies, first responders are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. The suicide rate among first responders is estimated to be 10 times higher than that of the general population and the suicide rate overall increases during the holidays. A time that should be joyful can, unfortunately, be very dark for some.

Please know that you are very much appreciated by the community that you serve.  As we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ there is also a nation of grateful people who celebrate your faithful service to keeping our communities safe. Of being there when we need you most and for putting your life in harms way to save ours.

It’s more important than ever, during this season of Christmas, to read the true meaning of Christmas as it is told in God’s word. If you or someone you know does not have a Bible please visit our website – FirstRespondersBible.org and we would be honored to send you a FREE copy.

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