I Like Christmas
Dr. John K. Mathew
Unlike the Old Testament, which describes and mandates the observation of a number of religious festivals in ancient Israel, the New Testament does not describe an annual cycle of Christian holidays.
Nevertheless, from an early date Christians have observed a liturgical calendar commemorating events of the Gospels, Acts, and later church history. Although Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in the West, neither this date nor the Eastern alternatives (January 6th or 7th) are established in the Scripture.
Since the exact date of Christ’s birth is not mentioned in the Scripture the discrepancy is not a big deal. No one can ever deny the fact of Christ’s birth.There was a time that I used to oppose celebration of Christmas. But for such a time as this that all known signs of Christianity are destroyed it is high time for Christians all over the world to commemorate the birth of our Redeemer. Christ is the only hope for the world and I like Christmas.
I like Christmas. It is something new that comes each year to an old world. It is like freshly fallen snow upon an old tree; a new flower on an old plant. New shoes on old feet; a new home in an old town; a new light on a dark street; new hope in a hopeless situation.
I like Christmas! It was introduced by a prophecy, heralded by the song of an angel, and announced by the birth of the Savior.
I like Christmas because it sparkles and glows. It comes only once a year, and still its radiance warms the child’s heart and fills his mind with pleasant dreams of joy and happiness.
I like Christmas because Christmas is Christ. In Christ I see the beauty of the Gospel which began in Bethlehem of Judea when His Spirit glorified that little town and His coming sanctified a little manger.
I like Christmas because it bears Christ’s name, symbolizes His love, proclaims His truth, and showers His gifts upon the world. Although earthly kings ignored Him, the common people heard Him with hungry hearts and received Him.
I like Christmas because it meets my deepest needs! It cures me of greed and selfishness, fills my empty soul with peace and compassion, and renews my faith and hope in an erring world.(Church Bulletin Bits)
Twenty centuries have come and gone, and today He is the central figure of the human race and the leader of mankind’s progress. All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life!!!
I like Christmas and the Christ behind it.