“Tis The Season”, “Happy Holidays” or “Merry Christmas”, Just a few of the phrases and sayings that you will hear this time of year. It’s no secret that at this time of year many will celebrate the birth of Christ. Most good bible students of all backgrounds know that Jesus was not born on December 25^th, The New Testament never records the date of Jesus’ birth, nor does it instruct Christians to observe or commemorate it annually. Matthew and Luke record the birth of Christ to establish His identity as the promised Messiah, not to create a religious observance (Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–20). Yet, around the world Jesus birthday is celebrated on this day. How should the Christian view this day? We should view this day as most do already. Let it be a day for families to get together and share gifts of love with one another. The Lord knows most families do not have enough time together now.

The sad part about it all is that for some people this is the only time of year they even think about Jesus. Being misled into thinking that his birth was the greatest thing he did for us, when in fact we know as Christians that the greatest thing he did was die on the cross for the sins of mankind, and we remember his death, burial, and resurrection every first day of each week. However, throughout the year, Jesus is ignored by many; but this time of year, everyone must deal with Him! The atheist, Muslim, the Buddhist, and the Jew and yes, the Christian each must decide how to handle this holiday season. And they don’t all handle it the same way.

Why not turn this time of year into an opportunity to ask people: “What are you going to do with Jesus?” You see, He is the one Man who changed the world! Someone has said, “He built a bridge to Heaven with two boards, and three nails.” He has so influenced the world that we measure time from His birth. The fact is: Jesus simply cannot be ignored, this time of year, or any time of year! He is my Lord (Acts 2:36), He is my God (John 20:28), and He is my Savior (Matt.1:21); as a matter of fact, He is everything to me! And I pray that He is your everything, everyday!

If you have been putting Jesus out of your mind and life, why not give Him serious consideration, or for some a reconsideration? If those of us who believe in Christ are wrong, and there truly is no God, we will never know it; we will just pass quietly into non-existence. On the other hand, if those who don’t believe in Christ are wrong, they will lose their soul (John 8:24). That makes it a question worth pursuing! The evidence is overwhelming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

“Jesus is the reason for the season.”  It’s catchy.  It’s heart-warming.  It’s reassuring.  However, As some have more aptly stated, “Jesus is the reason for every reason.” God is indeed, the reason for this and every other season (Psalm 104). And as such, that we all should be “ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2) to teach everybody about Him, His truth, and His Son (Acts 17:2-18:19), so that they too, may truly come to know, celebrate, and worship our great God and thank Him for the gift of His Son who died on the cross for the sins of mankind.

God Bless -Todd   

The familiar hymn “Oh, How I Love Jesus” expresses a devotion that is simple, heartfelt, and biblical. While the song itself is brief, the truth it proclaims reaches to the very heart of Christianity. Loving Jesus is not merely an emotion or a sentiment, it is the defining mark of a faithful disciple. Jesus Himself said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Love for Christ is proven not by words we sing, but by lives that submit to His will.

Our love for Jesus does not begin with us; it begins with what He has done. John wrote, “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Jesus demonstrated that love by leaving heaven, living among men, and willingly giving Himself on the cross so that sinners could be reconciled to God (John 1:14; Romans 5:8). When we sing that we love Jesus “because He first loved me,” we are confessing gratitude for a sacrifice we could never repay.

The New Testament repeatedly connects love for Jesus with priority and loyalty. Jesus declared, “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37). This statement reminds us that loving Christ means placing Him above all else, traditions, schedules, relationships. True love for Jesus will shape how we speak, how we worship, how we treat others, and how we respond to His word (Colossians 3:17).

Loving Jesus also means loving His church. Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her (Ephesians 5:25). Those who love the Head cannot disregard His body. Faithful assembling, sincere worship, and encouragement of fellow saints are natural expressions of love for Christ (Hebrews 10:24–25; Acts 2:42). Our love is not isolated or private, it is lived out among God’s people.

Finally, loving Jesus carries with it the promise of eternal hope. Paul wrote, “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity” (Ephesians 6:24). This love must be genuine, active, and continuing. As we sing “Oh, how I love Jesus,” may our hearts examine whether our daily walk matches our song. When love for Christ governs our lives, our worship becomes meaningful, our obedience joyful, and our hope secure.

God Bless