An Applicable Christmas Present

There are many lessons that Christmas offers to us, but there is one that is easily missed that I would like to share with you. This lesson is a great reminder for the believer to reflect on God’s word and to see how serious we take His intentions. You see, there was a previous generation that had a wonderful opportunity to be present when Jesus Christ arrived in His first coming.

From Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament is a declaration of Jesus Christ.

Luke 24:44 “Then He said to them, “These [are] the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and [the] Prophets and [the] Psalms concerning Me.”

The scripture points to Jesus Christ. Unlike with His first coming, there have only been signs given for Jesus Christ’s second coming. Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.”

We know that His first coming is very much set in stone, to the very day! For a better understanding of this, please read Daniel chapters 9-12. Nevertheless, while they knew the time of His arrival in Jerusalem, they did not know the exact date of His birth in Bethlehem. But there would be signs found in scripture indicating the time. Likewise today, we are in a similar manner. God has given His scripture and we have two choices. We can take Him seriously or ignore His word.

Let’s examine both groups and see the blessing one received.

Our first group are the wise men from the east. These men knew the word, knew the scripture, and even studied the nature looking to better understand God who was the creator of it all.

And when they saw the sign, they acted upon it with seriousness!

Matthew 2:1-2 “1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

These wise men, understood that Jesus would go from being 100% God, to 100% God and 100% man. They knew He would be born in Israel, knew that nature itself would give signs of His arrival, and even expected the government to be waiting for His arrival. They studied and took God’s word seriously.

Now the second group also read the word but did not take it seriously. They spiritualized and turned God’s word into a self-help practice for themselves.

Matthew 2:3-6 “3 When Herod the king heard [this,] he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, [in] the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’ ”

Because they did not take God’s word seriously, they did not understand that He was coming. They missed out on being there for the birth. They missed out on being there to witness and help prepare a more suitable place for His birth. The official religious leaders, the experts of the law and public standard missed the mark. They had failed. But do they learn from their failure? NO! They quote where Jesus would be born and do not go. They fail to even acknowledge their mistake. The greatest danger a person can be in, is in belief of self righteousness. To believe you are good enough on your own accord is a very dangerous place to be in. It clouds your judgement, takes fear of the Holiness of God away from you, and snatches understanding from within your grasp. Like smoke it keeps you from preserving what is needing to recognize your need of a savior. It fails to allow you to find the Christ.

Sounds harsh? Well just look at what happens next. The wise men are rewarded to meet Jesus as a toddler, while the others miss the opportunity to see the child who will be King of Kings and Lord of Lords, they also miss the opportunity to help the family of Jesus in a moment of coming danger.

Matthew 2:7-12 “7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found [Him,] bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.”

Because they took God’s word seriously and acted upon it, they were able to meet Jesus and help serve Him by providing for the family in their quick departure from Egypt. The gifts given were what was needed to help the financial challenge coming for Joseph and Mary and their new son Jesus. What an amazing opportunity, all because they took God’s word seriously.

So my Christmas challenge to you, are you taking God’s word seriously in your own life? Are you being a wise man studying and applying His word? Or are you being one of those who are missing out? This is a personal question to you. Christmas is a wonderful time to recognize the love that Christ has for you. He came to save you, and He has already paid the price. All you need to do is accept that and ask for Jesus to come into your life. What a Christmas present then to have eternal life with a God who loves you more than you could possibly imagine. There is nothing else like it.

For those who are saved, I ask you if you are taking God’s word seriously and seeking to do what He asks? Are you reading all His word? Are you seeing the signs of the times? There is a Christmas present to believers as well. For when we study God’s word we are able to see how much God loves us, and how much His word comes to life for us. It is applicable in the same way as it was in Jesus Christ’s first coming as it is today. So this Christmas, take the time and see what this Christmas lesson is for you and see that God has a present for you that no one can wrap and give you like He can. All you have to do is accept and open it.

Merry Christmas!

JL