23^rd December 2024

 Alex Buabeng-Korsah

 Theme: CAN YOU BELIEVE?

 THEME SCRIPTURE: "And the angel answering said unto him, I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings"  Luke 1:19 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

 1. What are your concerns when it comes to celebrating Christmas?

 Growing up, I had an opportunity to ask my mum about her date of birth. Surprisingly, she did not know. I asked further, "How come you do not know?" Her response was simple. Her parents were uneducated. They couldn't figure it out. However, she was told that her birth happened a few years after Ghana's independence. Together with my sister, we chose a day in December to celebrate a single mother who was making great sacrifices for her children, and we have never regretted it. 

Zacharias was told that his wife and Mary are going to conceive and bear sons. Yet, the old man could not believe it. He was so focused on the natural circumstances underlying his case that he could not see the power of God's word.

Zacharias requested proof that what he is hearing is truly going to happen (Luke 1:18). The angel's reply was this: "I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God; and am sent to speak unto thee, and to shew thee these glad tidings" (Luke 1:19).

Unbelief can be entrenched in the lives of good Christians, such that they become the stumbling block in the way of God.

 Over the years, I have seen two major incidences emerging when it comes to Christmas.

First, the season has been more commercialized than spiritualized.

Gradually, the season's focus is pointing to fun times, partying, etc. Yeah, the season is a joyous one, and a moment of happiness because God's redemption plan, spoken of by the prophets, began to take on flesh. However, the central theme of the season is a spiritual one—He shall save his people from their sins (Matt 1:21). Today, you can find many people who do not believe in God enjoying Christmas the most. Isn't this ironic?

The second observation has to do with a growing argument that Christmas is not of God, and therefore true Christians should stay away from it.

The argument focuses on the fact that the day of Christmas is not the correct day Christ was born, and that day used to be a pagan worship day. The argument further suggests that the day of Christmas is more commercial than spiritual. But, beloved, should we cease to celebrate our king just because the birthday is unknown? Can there be a pagan day or demonic day when God is the one who created all days and sanctified them? Should we let commercialization defraud us of the good intention we have on Christmas day? Of course not, lest, like Zacharias, we are being overly focused on the natural and ungodly circumstances at the expense of the glad tidings of His birth. Can we believe the glad tidings brought to mankind?

 As mentioned earlier, I did not know my mum's date of birth, so we chose our day for her. The most important thing is not the day but the honor we give to her.  

Christmas therefore should not be about the day but how we bring honor to God. True worshippers do not worship God or honor Him with concern about a day or a place of worship. 

Further, there is nothing like a demonic day. How can the devil have a day? Has he created a day before? Why should God's people who have dominion to subdue the earth sit for a day to be called a demonic day?

We would rather blot out demonic activities in a day that's been stolen by the evil one, and take it back for God. 

Precious one, let us let love rule in our hearts for God and for one another during this time of the season.

 It is all about Christ [the newborn king]. May we experience revival instead of reveling during this time. May it be a time when offenses are removed, homes are united, and men know God better.

 May we have the courage to see beyond the commercial and the arguments to see Christ alone this Christmas. Can we believe that indeed Christ was born and He is worth celebrating?

 Remain blessed.

 FURTHER READING:  Luke 1:18-20

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

 1. What are your plans this Christmas season?

2. What is your idea of celebrating Christmas?

 PRAYER

 Precious Lord, Eternal King, during this festivity and beyond, I choose to see you alone. For in you alone, all things exist and consist. I celebrate your Lordship. I affirm that yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

 ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Job 34,  Zechariah 10,  Revelation 10,  Revelation 11