[Faith-talk] FW: IBGN~NEWSLETTER~ Christmas "What Does It Mean?", DECEMBER 21, 2011 ~Grace Daily Inspirational~

[Eric Calhoun]

Original Message: 
From: PARIS <GraceNtheTruth at Cox.net>
To: undisclosed-recipients:;
Subject: IBGN~NEWSLETTER~ Christmas "What Does It Mean?",  DECEMBER 21,
2011        ~Grace Daily Inspirational~
Date: 
Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:45:37 -0700

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*Christmas "What Does It Mean?"*
*By Nancy Faries *
*Evansville, Indiana *
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Our pastor is very fond of acrostics. So, I'm going to use one of his 
teaching techniques to talk about the special time of year called 
Christmas. Of course, the word "Christmas" means different things to 
different people. For example, it would mean something entirely 
different to the secular world than it would to spiritual believers.

C Let's consider the letter "C" to begin our illustration. This could 
stand for "commercial," which is the aspect the secular world 
emphasizes. For those in retail sales, this season is the biggest money 
maker of the year. Many merchants receive over 50% of their annual 
income during these days. At this time, too, gift giving usually becomes 
such an obsession for many that they end up displaying some very 
unChristian attitudes at the stores. But for those of us who have 
believed on Him, the "C," of course, refers to "Christ," Whose birth we 
are commemorating. The ancient prophets amazingly predicted His unique 
arrival hundreds of years before it happened. Isaiah says, "Therefore 
the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, 
and bear a son, and shall call His name Emmanuel (meaning, "God with us" 
- cf. Matt. 1:22-23) " .. .For unto us a child is given ... and His name 
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, the Everlasting 
Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isa. 7:14; 9:6). We now look back on this 
event in wonder and awe.

H is for the "Hurry, Hurry, Hurry of the Season." People go here, go 
there, do this, do that. It can become madness for those who miss the 
true point of it all. However, the "H" should be a reminder of "Heaven" 
that awaits those who are saved in this dispensation (Eph. 2:4-10; Phil. 
3:20-21). It is a place of such utter peace and tranquility, that the 
earthly ills and frustrations caused by the frantic pace of this life 
will all be forgotten. This is why the Apostle Paul referred to it as 
"paradise" (II Cor. 12:2-4).

R stands for the "right" gift -- sometimes given for a wrong reason. In 
other words, some give gifts to win favor or to impress someone. Others 
simply give gifts mechanically, because it is the "thing" to do. Maybe 
that "R" should depict the only lasting "right" gift, which is the one 
that God gave in the Person of His Son. Romans 6:23 states, "For the 
wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. "

I The "I" could be the "icicles" of the winter season. This time of year 
marks the beginning of cold weather, which I personally dread. But to 
the spiritual person, the "I" might portray the fact that God the Son 
became an "infant" in order to qualify as man's Savior. Luke 2:11-12 
declares: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, 
which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall 
find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. " But in 
truth, it's not the "babe" we should remember so much as the life of the 
man He became - the One Who suffered and died for us (Rom. 5:6-8,15-19). 
That's why Paul calls Him, " ... the man Christ Jesus" (I Tim. 2:5).

S The "s" is one I have to admit that I, myself, enjoy. It is "Shop, 
Shop, Shop 'till you drop!" But actually, I enjoy that in March, May, 
August, September. But seriously, The "s" should symbolize "Salvation." 
That is why the Apostle Paul could proclaim without reservation, "For I 
am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto 
salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom. 1:16). He had experienced 
God's saving power first-hand, and knew that it would work for all who 
desired to be saved.

T For the secular world, the "T" might depict the "tree" to trim. 
~Though representing no small effort, it seems that just about everyone 
perpetuates the age-old tradition of placing lights and ornaments on 
this annual fixture. But the word, "tree" can also bring to mind the 
tree that grew hundreds of years ago that made the Cross on which our 
Savior was crucified. I Peter 2:24 reveals that "[Christ] His own self 
bare our sins in His own body on the tree. " He made this tree despite 
knowing the agony it would bring Him as He was judged on our behalf (Jn. 
1: 1-3, 14).

M The "M" could picture, "Man." Too often the world sees man's desires 
as paramount, giving itself over to the fleshly indulgences of the 
occasion. But our "M" should be for the "Message" of God's Word 
announced for all to hear (Lk. 2:10, 13-14). That is, if we would only 
proclaim it, and if they would only listen. Romans 10:15-17 declares, 
"And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, How 
beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and 
bring glad tidings of good things ... So then, faith cometh by hearing, 
and hearing by the Word of God." Christmas is really about having people 
place their absolute trust in Jesus Christ to save their souls forever.

A The "A" has to stand for "abundance." Yes, at this time, everyone 
seems to want more and more. Here, people never seem to be satisfied or 
content. Children are usually disappointed with what they've received 
and appear to be unthankful despite a multitude of presents. Often, 
dissatisfaction is register-ed with parents because others received more 
than they did. Nevertheless, the believer's "A" should denote 
"appreciation." II Corinthians 9:15 reflects heartfelt gratitude by Paul 
for what God gave us in Christ. He says, "Thanks be unto God for his 
unspeakable gift. " How different is the attitude of some, who "When 
they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful ... 
" (Rom. 1:21). Gratitude should truly be the order of the day for 
everyone at this time of the year.

S The "s" identifies the "Sin" of greed that is rampant in the world 
during Christmas because everyone wants the many "gifts" that God 
bestows, but very few want the "Giver." It is a constant battle even for 
believers to fight against the temptation to covet what others have 
(Rom. 7:7; Eph. 5:3). Be that as it may, our "s" recognizes Christ's 
foremost title - "Savior." The angel made reference to this regarding 
the name of Christ prior to His conception. He said, " ... thou shalt 
call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins" 
(Matt. 1:21).

We've gone through every letter which makes up the word "Christmas." By 
so doing, we've come to one outstanding conclusion: that is, Christmas 
is really about receiving the gift of salvation that is offered by God 
to all who will simply receive it by faith (Eph. 2:8-9). If you haven't 
already, won't you do so right now? If you will, I guarantee that then 
you will have a truly Merry Christ-mas. Again, the Bible tells us the 
real meaning of Christmas. It says, "For God so loved the world, that He 
gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not 
perish, but have everlasting life" Jn. 3:16). Won't you open this 
beautifully wrapped package of salvation and receive all the blessings 
it contains? Go ahead! It has your name on it!

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