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What Truly Matters At Christmas

WHAT TRULY MATTERS AT CHRISTMAS

Isaiah is the prophet who declares so much about the coming of Christ. We especially cherish Isaiah 7:14, which tells us that a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son who will be called Immanuel—“God with us.” This is why the birth of Christ matters so deeply: God became man so that He might die on the cross and save us from our sin. For this, we are extremely thankful.

During this Christmas season, let us not forget what it is truly about. God calls us to trust in Him as our Lord and Savior, and then to live by Him and for Him. He is not seeking another festival or hollow holiday tradition. Scripture reminds us that God is not impressed by our rituals of burning candles on Christmas Eve, it means nothing to Him. In Isaiah 1:10–18, He tells Israel that He is weary of their religious observances and offerings because their hearts were far from Him. The same can be said of much of Christmas in America today—so much of it has little to do with Christ at all. Even Santa has taken center stage within many churches as the bringer of gifts, when it is God that has given us all things. 

What God desires is simple yet often missed: He wants you—all of you. He wants your heart and your life. Love Him with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Draw close to God this Christmas time, meditate upon Him and His Word.  I know we will be with family and friends as well, but be sure to place Christ as the center.  That is what Christmas should truly be about.  

— Pastor Mark Sage



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