WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME
Christmas often means different things to different people. Some see it as a sacred time, a celebration and remembrance of God’s great gift to the world. Others see it simply as a holiday, a time to spend money, buy gifts, and enjoy time off work with family. Others see it as a time to eat special treats, drink, and be merry. Others see it as a special time to put up a Christmas tree, decorate with lights and ornaments, hang some festive ribbons, set up little stuffed Santa Clauses, and play Christmas songs about jingling bells and white snow.
For me, Christmas has incredible, personal meaning. I have built my entire life on a profoundly significant truth that few people ever understand about Christmas. That truth—I can always count on God to keep his promises!
Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, God promised his people Israel he would send them a Messiah, telling them of His miraculous birth, and the exact town where he would be born. Though time and time again, his people rebelled against Him and worshiped idols, God kept his word to them. Though time and again, the enemies of God tried to destroy his people, to wipe them all from the face of the earth, God kept his word to them. In the midst of their brutal occupation by the ungodly, tyrannical Romans, God brought Immanuel into the world. In spite of the wicked King’s dastardly attempts to kill that little boy shortly after his birth, God kept his word, protecting Jesus from the fury of that despicable man.
Christmas always reminds me no matter how bleak life looks—I can always count on God. Christmas reminds me no matter how full of trials my life is at the present time—I can always count on God. No matter what befalls me—I can always count on God. No matter the obstacles, no matter the hopelessness of a situation—I can always count on God. No matter how many times I fail God—He will never fail me. I can always count on God!
I’ve lived “half a century” now, on this profound truth of Christmas, through some of the most devastating trials and tribulations you could imagine. To this very day, I can say with the utmost sincerity, and lived experience—You can always count on God. He will keep His promises to you. It’s only a matter of time. Your faith in Him is never wasted or in vain.
In a world of liars and broken promises—you can always count on God. God always keeps His word!
Give some fresh thought to this unique Christmas message today and throughout this Christmas season. Draw fresh strength and renewed encouragement from its profound, immutable truth.
I wish you all a very blessed and Merry Christmas.
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
