Reason To CELEBRATE

For this purpose the son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the work of the devil (1 John 3:8).At this time of the year, everywhere bustles with the existed preparations for Xmas. The beautiful Xmas decorations, joyful expressions, and soothing serenades of Xmas carols flittering through the airwaves tell the story: everyone is in celebration mood.However, it's not enough to be merely caught up in the euphoria of merry making at Xmas time and not know that reason for celebrating. Everyone who celebrates Xmas ought to know that the birth of Jesus was a means to an end; you ought to know the reason Jesus was born!Why in the world did he come?The opening scripture gives us a clear idea: He came to destroy the works of devil! After His death on the cross, the bible let us know that Jesus descended into hell (Ephesians 4:9), where he defeated Satan and the cohort of hell and made an open spectacle of them(Colosians 2:15).He paralyzed Satan, rendered him completely powerless, and gave you authority over him- He made you superior to Satan.His victory over Satan, sin, sickness, disease and death was for you, and that victory is worth celebrating whenever it's Xmas time, for you're the reason for the season! You're the reason Jesus came- you're the reason He was born. The bible says “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given” (Isaiah 9:6) “us” in this scripture refers to men, you and me.The birth of Jesus was good news of great joy to all peoples of the earth. He was born to redeem man. If you're born again, the birth, death, burial, resurrection of Jesus Christ has made you sin-free, disease-free, poverty-free, and death-free.You say how do I celebrate this season?….. Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10)It will be xmas in a couple of days. Are you ready for it? What do you plan to do? “Give myself a nice time!” I'm sure you'd say. You know, God wants us to have a nice time but it matters whether what you say is a nice time is what God says is a nice time.Now if you're one of those who may like to celebrate or who don't believe in celebration, I'd like to show you something from the Bible.It's from Nehemiah 8:10 “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the lord is your strength.” This scripture shows us that there's nothing wrong with celebrating.Nehemiah in effect was saying, “Go ahead and enjoy yourselves, eat nice, drink good, but send portions to others who don't have anything t eat or drink.” Praise the Lord, that's one good way to celebrate the birth of the saviour!As you prepare for a nice time this Xmas day, remember the hungry and needy; make up your mind to do something for them this Xmas. Xmas day is a great day to share the love of God with someone and bless the people around you. Give good compliment; tell people, “Hey, you look good, merry Xmas!” Make this Xmas a memorable one. Celebrate it and make it a good day for you and for everyone around you!But remember to carry that spirit on beyond Xmas. It's the spirit that wins, the spirit of joy.Just lift up your hand and thank the heavenly father for the great love with which you have loved us, thank you for sending your beloved son Jesus into the world to deliver all men from the shackles of sin, and its effects. We rejoice and celebrate the Holy son, Jesus Christ; we celebrate His death on the cross, the resurrection, ascension and the victory He won for us. Halleluyah!I thank you for birth of Jesus, through which life and immortality has been made available to all men. I pray that as people all over the world celebrate this xmas, you'll grant them the revelation of who Jesus is and what He came to accomplish for mankind, Amen.

December 17, 2008