Christmas Is . . .

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel ‘ (which means ‘God with us’) ” (Matthew 1:23)
  Passage: Isaiah 40:1-5

   On Thanksgiving Day, one of the longest running and most famous Thanksgiving parades is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in New York city. The parade involves marching bands, well-known singers, Broadway show acts, large character balloons, colorful floats and of course, Santa Claus at the end. The one thing I don’t ever recall seeing is a float or musical act highlighting the person who is actually the entire reason for the season - Jesus. That’s not surprising, because in the world, Christmas turned into a secular holiday long ago. In fact, if you ask most Americans what Christmas means, one survey found that less than 50% of Americans consider it a religious holiday.
        As you begin this Christmas season, start it with a fresh affirmation of what Christmas is and with adoration of the One who is the center of it all. 700 years before Jesus was born, Isaiah prophesied about the Christ being born without the aid of a human father. Jesus was fully human with Mary as His mother and He was fully divine with God as His father. Christmas is the worship of Jesus Christ, who came to save the world. Give Him your love and worship. 

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)