The cross Christmas tree

I really don't believe that Jesus (Yeshua) was born on December 25 and I do know the origin of Christmas. I won't enter the argument concerning the paganism of the Christmas holiday because my purpose for the celebration has to do with one person - Jesus Christ, because without Him, I would not exist. So whatever it was originally meant to be is totally irrelevant to me today. Jesus Christ is Saviour.

My wish for us this festive season is that as we celebrate His birth, we also remember the reason for His coming and draw parallel lines, as it were, from his birth to his death and resurrection. Let us ponder the meaning of all this and may it change our lives for good.

Decorative bells: Bells on the sleeves of the high priests in olden days.

Decorative lights: Jesus Christ, light of the world.

Wreaths on doors: The crown of thorns placed on the head of our Saviour.

The Christmas tree: The Cross of Calvary (Calvary's Tree).

Gifts of jewellery and fragrance: Gifts the wise men brought.

Yearly, the high priest was required to offer sacrifices for the Israelites. This would require him entering the Holy of Holies to make sacrifices for sin on their behalf. For him to do this, he had to be clean before Yahweh the Great and Holy God or be killed.

Therefore, before entering in, he was strapped around the waist with a cord and the sleeves of his garment had bells on the ends. This would allow those on the outside to hear the bells and know that all was well while he offered incense to God with his hands. If he was not acceptable before God, he would be killed instantly and would be drawn out by the rope, by the people from the Holy of Holies. You see, no one could enter the Holy of Holies except a high priest who was 'clean' (holy and righteous) before the Almighty.

redemption

Then Jesus came, His mission to redeem a people back to God. Walking Earth as a common man, He preached salvation to the poor, healed the sick, made the blind to see, unplugged the ears of the deaf, delivering those who were oppressed and possessed. To accomplish this, He was wounded for our sins. He was flogged and a crown of thorns placed on His head.

But hallelujah! He rose triumphantly from the dead after three days. After meeting with His friends again, he ascended into Heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father.

As we enjoy the festivities of the season, may we be challenged to take the time to find a quiet place within our spirits and question ourselves about the relationship we now have with God. Have a happy and peaceful Christmas!