The Christ of Christmas

December 13 2009For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.Colossians 1:13-20 (NIV)Who is the Christ of Christmas? And why should anyone concern themselveswith him? Why shouldn’t we just go for a generic holiday or some vague season’sgreetings instead of observing Holy Days centered only in Jesus Christ? Wouldyou permit me to answer those questions using the text from God’s word you readabove?• Jesus Christ is the only God-sent Savior. Only He is able to deliver us fromour spiritual darkness and sinfulness.• Jesus Christ is the only redeemer, only he is able to pay the price necessaryfor the forgiveness of our sins.• Jesus Christ is God incarnate, God in the flesh. You see him you see God.You know him you know God.• Jesus Christ is the Creator of all there is. All of us owe our existence to him,and all of us are accountable to him. We are not made to live random lives ofself-fulfillment, but rather to live to the pleasure and glory of Christ.• Jesus Christ is preeminent, before all things. There is no one greater, no oneor nothing more important than him. He is absolutely essential.• Jesus Christ is the sustainer. The universe, life only exists and goes onbecause he upholds it. Every day, every breath is a gift from his hands.• Jesus Christ is the head of the church, making church not something we goto but something utterly important to belong to.• Jesus Christ is the “resurrection and the life.” Only he has power overdeath. Only in Christ one can find true hope for eternal life rather than meresentimentalism.• Jesus Christ reigns supreme, over life, over death, you and me, the universe,and eternity. Living life ignoring Christ or being ignorant of Christ is theultimate tragedy, true hopelessness.• Jesus Christ is the expression of the fullness of God. Everything we need forlife, for eternity, for forgiveness, for fulfillment, for godliness, for peace, forlove, and for lasting gladness and joy is found in him.• Jesus Christ is the reconciler. No one, no sinner will ever find a way to God.No religion, however sincerely followed or trusted in, no personal belief,and no amount of doing good can reconcile any person with God. Only theperson of Jesus Christ can. He is God incarnate, who lived the sinless life wecannot live. He offered his life on the cross as a once and for all sin offering,so that anyone who believes and trusts in him could be reconciled to God.• Jesus Christ is the true reality of Christmas, the true gift of Christmas, thereal reason to celebrate. Don’t celebrate another Christmas without him.To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans