sexta-feira, 26 de dezembro de 2008

The true meaning of Christmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.
(Isaiah 9:6-7)
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Christmas is more than Santa, is more than christmas trees, more than a family tradition or a time of the year when we feel we should help those in need. It's even more than a story about a baby being born.
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Christmas is about Mary and Joseph obeying to the word of God despite the shame, persecution and even death that they could face from society (and this includes kings!). it's about Mary's answer to the angel and the submission that it shows “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38)
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Christmas is about God, the "Holy Holy Holy" (Revelation 4:8), the Mighty God, sending His son to this messed up world. It's about the father willing to give the life of His son to allow us, that sin against Him everyday, to come and enjoy eternal life with Him.
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It's about Jesus Christ, the One that created the entire universe, the One that was with God and was God (John 1:1) being born to this world, becoming one of us but living a perfect life. It's about the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Revelation 5:5)walking in will and obedience to a hill out of His own city, carrying His own cross until exhaustion. The Root of David (Revelation 5:5) being mocked, bruised and killed for our transgressions as Isaiah 53:5 says
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"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) NIV
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so that if we believe in Him we may have eternal life and not face the eternal death that we deserve for our sins:
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"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
(John 3:16) NIV
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About the Wonderful One rising again, victorious over death, seating now at the "right hand of Majesty in heaven" (Hebrews 1:3)
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And the most amazing promise that He will come back in his Father's glory:
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"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels,
and then he will reward each person according to what he has done."
(Matthew 16:27) NIV
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So, if you are a christian, this should blow you mind! These are amazing news! We can have in Christ that was born in this earth, that we celebrate at Christmas, the assurance of a life spent with God. God sees in Him His perfect life and our sins are forgotten.
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If you are not a Christian, you are not in that position, yet. You are dead because of your the things you do wrong (sins). Even if you think you are a good person, you are not perfect and the Holy, Just God has to punish you as He can't live with sin. You'll spend eternity without God.
But He loves you so much. He created you. he designed and planned you carefully. And He says that if you believe in His son, Jesus Christ and that He came to die for you and to be punished in your place. (John 3:16)And you repent for all the things you have done against God and ask Him to forgive you for that, He will welcome you back and he guaranties eternal life with Him. You'll live with Him forever. I'm not saying you'll be perfect (yet) and your life will be easy. But He will be always there to help you. That's what His word, the Bible, says. If you have any questions and you know any christians, ask them. I'm sure they will be more than happy to try and help you. If you don't, leave me a comment and I'll try to help in what I can.
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This is the true meaning of Christmas.
ASG
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