The Reason for the Season

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God rest ye merry, gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember, Christ, our Saviour

Was born on Christmas day

To save us all from Satan's power

When we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy  

 

We've been reading the book, 'God Rest Ye Merry,' by Douglas Wilson. I thought I would insert this short excerpt for us to read and ponder during the Christmas season, reminding us that in spite of our personal financial, familial, or business circumstances, we truly have something worth celebrating!

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'In one sense, of course, Jesus is the reason for the season. But in another fundamental sense, sin is the reason for the season. We have not entered into a season of feel-goodism, where we think about soft snow and candlelight, with silver bells in the distance. Remember Ramah weeping for her children, remember our abortion mills, remember how dark this world is without Christ, and then cling in faith to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Mary's only Savior is our only hope for salvation as well.

 Christ on the Cross

by Eugene Delacroix

National Gallery, London

'Second, we need to connect this with strong views of incarnationalism. Not only has Jesus destroyed the overt works of the devil, He has also thrown down the devil's philosophy, which maintains that we are all to be very, very 'spiritual.' But in the face of this false doctrine, God was made flesh. This means that we may build, sew, pick up a knife and fork, make love, spank our kids, shovel the walk and do all to the glory of God. Earthiness is not the gospel, but the gospel did come to earth. Earthiness is no savior, but earthiness is saved.

'And last, we glory in victory: He came to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. God did not give His Son to die in order to fight against the world with futility. The incarnation was no temporary arrangement. The baby born at Bethlehem was given as the Savior of the world.'

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And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us. And we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  - John 1:14

 God sent not  His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him, might be saved. - John 3:17

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. - Romans 5:8 

But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. - Isaiah 53:5

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'Fear not then,' said the Angel,
'Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Saviour
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan's power and might.'
O Tidings of comfort and Joy  

 

 

May you have a wonderful Christmas,

celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ,

Who alone gives us Hope and a Future.