If not for Jesus, much of the world would not be celebrating Christmas today.  Yes, I know first off, Christ Jesus of Nazareth (Y’shua Messiah) was not actually born on December 25th, and I also know history tells us that early pagan worshippers used that day to worship the sun, and that early Christians tried to find common ground with unbelievers and settled on that day to celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus in order to spread Christianity.  The details are unimportant to me as they are lost in history anyway, all I know is that the modern world for the most part celebrates December 25th as the birth of our Savior and during that one day they put away their bickering over this or that. Now THAT is significant!

What does that mean? It means over much of the world there is peace between people, even if it’s only one day.  Even in WWII, the fighting stopped for Christmas, and enemies even met to share peace for a day and meals.  Wouldn’t it be wonderful if the whole world could be at peace EVERY day?  It will be one day, because of Jesus.  We can’t take any credit for any of what Jesus did for us, for it was He and He alone that bore the punishment for the sins of mankind.  The term “mankind” includes YOU and ME, in case you didn’t already know that.  If not for Jesus, we would have no hope of salvation whatsoever.  I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: God could have looked upon mankind’s lost condition and said, “If they can find a way to save themselves, I’m all for it.” But He knew we couldn’t save ourselves, so He got personally involved.

We’ve all heard the Christmas story, so I won’t repeat it here, but rather, emphasize that if not for Jesus, we would be in big trouble.  Those who don’t belong to Him now are already in big trouble, and don’t you think it would be nice if we who know Christ Jesus as Lord and Savior would share the Good News of the Gospel with them today?  While much of the world exchanges presents, let us remind ourselves of the true “reason for the season” is not sales at the stores, but the most wonderful gift ever given to mankind, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus of Nazareth.

Religious people all over argue the day He was actually born into the world.  The Bible doesn’t tell us that day, but only the “season”, and it wasn’t December 25th.  As it was, an order went out for the world to be taxed, and everyone go to his own city to pay taxes.  Anyone with common sense would know a ruler wouldn’t make this decree in the winter.  To me, it isn’t the DAY, but rather the fact that He WAS born that is so very important.  That day is the day God got personally involved in our hopeless lives and gave us HOPE!  It is written in Isaiah,

Isa 9:6  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isa 9:7  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

Here is the account of the birth of Christ Jesus, given in the Book of Luke:
Luk 2:1  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
Luk 2:2  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
Luk 2:3  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
Luk 2:4  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
Luk 2:5  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
Luk 2:6  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
Luk 2:7  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luk 2:8  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
Luk 2:9  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
Luk 2:10  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Luk 2:11  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luk 2:12  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
Luk 2:13  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Luk 2:14  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
Luk 2:15  And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
Luk 2:16  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
Luk 2:17  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

The best news ever to be given is WE HAVE A SAVIOR!  HE LOVES US SO MUCH HE GAVE HIS LIFE TO PAY OUR RANSOM!  AND HE LIVES AGAIN, NEVER MORE TO DIE! PRAISE GOD IN THE HIGHEST!
If not for Jesus, we wouldn’t have anything meaningful to celebrate, this or ANY DAY.  Let’s enjoy this day of peace as we eagerly look forward to peace that lasts forever because of HIM!