Christmas is a wonderful time of year. My mind goes back to the first Christmas.
People think of various things when they think of Christmas.
Some think of a fat, jolly fellow who squeezes down the chimney of every home in the world. This is not exa ctly the case, since only God himself has the ability to visit every home on the face of the earth in one night.
Some others think of decorating the Christmas tree. It is hard to deny the beauty of a Christmas tree in a home. However, this custom actually started in pre Christian northern Europe.
Others think of shopping, gifts and visiting family. These things are certainly part of the joy of this time of year.
What then, was the first Christmas really about? John tells us that “in the beginning was the Word… and the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” What does this mean? John explains a little more to us when he says, “and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”
So somehow God was going to come among us in a special way like he had never done before. How exactly was this going to happen?
Matthew tells us: “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.” Joseph is then assured by an angel that this is indeed the case. Matthew also tells us why. “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
So, that’s why he came!! People like you and I were lost in our sins, and we were going to need a savior. What good news! The word “gospel” means good news!
What should our reaction be to such good news? We could get some advice from the example of the wise men. The scripture tells us that “they rejoiced with exceeding great joy… and fell down, and worshipped him.” This makes me want to have the same joy and worship as those wise men!
Our family has always loved Christmas. Our custom has been to gather together to read about Jesus’ birth from the Bible, then pray together to thank Him for what He has done for us.
The angel of the Lord told them, “behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Rep. Jim Olsen represents District 2 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives, which includes portions of Sequoyah County.
