Christmas: A great time to reflect

Christmas is here again. Along the same lines as Ricky Bobby explained in Talladega Nights, it’s time to give thanks for Baby Jesus!

In days gone by, before the ideology of “Political Correctness” took a grip on Western Society, Christmas was about remembering the arrival of the promised King, Jesus.

Now, Christmas is a great time to stop and reflect on what Christians actually believe about this man named Jesus.

So, Christians believe: 

• God created the Universe and everything in it, including us
• The picture at the beginning of the bible is that of God loving, providing, caring for, protecting, teaching etc his people
• In turn, as the creator, God is to be worshipped; put first in our lives; loved; revered; enjoyed, honoured

• All of humanity has rejected God
• We have made for ourselves other gods that take the place of the true creator God
• In the past, humans worshipped the stars, statues, animals etc
• Now, we worship money, sport, alcohol, power, status, technology, sex and the list goes on
• This is called sin. We separate ourselves from God
• As a result, we die spiritually and eventually physically

• God puts into effect a plan to rescue his people whom he created and loves
• This is what the Old Testament in your bible is all about
• God will come and rescue His people from their sin

• Jesus is God, the creator of the universe and rescuer of his people
• About 2 000 years ago, a baby was born
• This baby was the promised King, the fulfilment of the Old Testament

• Jesus lived the perfect life and died a sinners death
• Jesus did not sin, yet he died

• Jesus rose from the grave
• Although he died, he was resurrected bodily
• Completing the rescue mission

• God’s people, Christians, have eternal life after death
• The Christian’s sins were paid for by Jesus’s death on the cross
• Jesus defeated death by rising again
• Christians will be raised like Jesus was when he returns

• Jesus saved us so that we can live for him
• The New Testament explains what this looks like

In summary, Christmas is a great time to reflect upon Jesus and the true Christian message.

When you reflect, I wonder whether you agree these eight points and how they have or have not shaped your life.

If these have not shaped your life, start celebrating because Christmas is all about new beginnings and fresh starts in the King, Jesus.