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December 21, 2012

The Biblical message of Christmas will never change

By R. L. Clark The Norman Transcript

NORMAN — When the heavenly host announced to the shepherds that the birth of Christ was “on earth peace, good will to men,” they meant far more than announcing a good teacher or great role model had been born. They were announcing the presence of God’s love, grace, mercy and forgiveness which would be seen through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Christmas means the birth of a Savior — Luke 2:11. He would be known among men as Jesus — “for he shall save His People from their sins” — Matt. 1:21. Christmas gives us the opportunity to confront our greatest enemy (ourselves) and see that God loves us in spite of what we are. 

So, for me personally, the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ has always overshadowed the Fort Apache playset, the motorcycle, the TV set, etc., that I treasured as a youth at Christmas. Today, it will still overshadow the joy of getting the latest tablet, iPhone (whichever number we are up to at this time), etc.

The celebration of Christmas, as we know it, may change. One thing is certain, however. The Biblical message of Christmas, as we need it, will never change.

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