Christmas for the most part, and for most people has nothing to do with the birth of Christ. With all the gluttony, revelry, commercialization and other unholy indulgences that people engage in on this day; you know it has nothing to do with the saviour.

For some, despite all the vices associated with Christmas, the day really does mean a lot to them, and it is a special time they use to reflect on what Christ’s coming into history meant to our world. Christmas really is about Christ for them and they do as much as they can to keep that in focus while enjoying all of the other peripheral stuff that is usually associated with the day and the season.

For others, though not as devout, Christmas is that one time of the year that they do reflect on our Lord more than at other times. They ponder his coming, and that beautiful day over two thousands years ago when he was born and it means a lot to them. They take the time to create special memories with friends and family, to establish and build connections that last a lifetime. Then there are those for whom Christmas has no religious connection at all. It is just a beautiful time of the year they enjoy and they celebrate it with joy.

Well in the end, even though there is not the same kind of reverence that many used to have for Christmas as they did in the past, and for most it has nothing to do with Christ; Christmas still has an affiliation with Jesus in some way. With that in mind, it is always a good time to reflect on why Jesus came.

Today is the day after Christmas day, but the season is not over. It is as good a time as any to talk about the birth of Christ.

When he made his obscure entrance into our world, Christ was laid to bed in a cattle feeding trough at a stable in Bethlehem because there was no room for him anywhere in the town. His birth identified with lowliest of humanity from that moment on, and he continues to make himself available to all who would receive him.

When he was born, the Bible says that an angel announced his birth to some simple shepherds who were watching their sheep in a field somewhere in the region. Totally unprepared for their visitation, the shepherds were startled by the appearance of the heavenly visitor.

The angel soothed their trepidation and said “fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and goodwill to all men!”

The world had no idea how history was about to change. Christ’s birth was the beginning of an epic saga that would change the world like no one individual has ever done. His birth was just part one of his heavenly mission, and all that he was about to accomplish. He lived a life that pointed humanity to God. He said I am the way the truth and the life. No man comes to the father but by me.

He was born to fulfill his role as the savior of sinful man. He died to pay the price for man’s sin. He rose to life again from death in a spectacular defeat of death and says that if anyone believes on him, and that God raised him to life again that person will be saved. He promises everlasting life to all those who repent and trust in him for the forgiveness of sins.

He promised that one day he is going to come again, and when he does; it would be unlike the first time when he came. Everyone shall know then that he is indeed who he says he is, because every knee will bow to him and every tongue will confess that he is the Lord of all, to the glory of almighty God.

That first Christmas morning is where it all began. Let us all rejoice in commemoration of that great day.

Merry Christmas everyone!