A Holy Time - Christmas!

This Thursday, Christians all over the world will celebrate and commemorate the Holy Day of Christmas, recognizing the birth of Jesus Christ, believed by Christians to be the Son of God.
The Advent “season,” which precedes the celebration on Christmas Day, reminds all Christians to “anticipate” and to “prepare” for the “coming” of the Lord Jesus Christ. The commemoration of this event has been recognized for over 2000 years. It is chronicled in history since the years preceding the birth are denoted as “B.C.”, or “before Christ,” and the years during, and after, noted as “A.D.” (“anno Domini” during the time of Our Lord).
The Prophet (not “profit”) foretold the coming, centuries prior to this historic and miraculous birth, when he said, “The Lord will give you a sign….the virgin shall give birth to a son whom will be called ‘Emmanuel’”…… This past Tuesday evening, people of the Jewish faith began the eight-day period of thanks and praise known as Hanukkah. At this time of the year, each and every year, people of the Christian faith and the Jewish faith recognize very special religious events and Holy Days. The word “Emmanuel” is used frequently, which according to the Hebrew translation means that “God is with us”…
Throughout history, people of faith have always been reminded to “practice” their faith with spiritual exercises in order to grow in “grace”. The coming or the presence of the Lord details the way each of us can live a fulfilling and grace-filled life focused on compassion, forgiveness, and justice. The annual reminder to “anticipate” and to “prepare” for the “coming” is an excellent way to live in accordance with the example provided directly by God, and His Son. The “season,” the “holiday,” or the “Holy Day” offer each person the opportunity to give “thanks and praise” in order to earn the goal of our human life, which is “eternal life.” To achieve this objective, we are called to live a life whereby we love our God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves. The performance of “spiritual exercises” or the active practice of one’s faith, done throughout the year, during religious “holidays,” “seasons,” “holy days” and/or “observances,” is the way for mankind to fulfill the promise of redemption.
The anticipated Savior of the Old Testament was “expected” to conquer the civil “oppressor” of the captive people (Israel), but He was actually the conqueror of the real oppressor, the sins of the world. His birth and real presence today is a constant reminder to all generations that “God is with us” in the lives of all people during every moment of every day. We are reminded to “anticipate” and to “prepare” not just for Christmas Day, but for the rest of our natural life, so that we can face our Creator ready for judgment, redemption, and eternal life. The Prophet also foretold that “He will judge the weak with integrity and give fair sentence for the humblest in the land.”
The coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas, or the miracle symbolized by the Jewish menorah, is an annual reminder that “God is with us” in our life, and in our midst, and that He loves His creation regardless of its sins, failures, and weaknesses. He remains our merciful and forgiving God. The open expression and practice of each person’s faith should be encouraged and promoted to further the cause of developing proper virtues, actions, principles, morals, and values in future generations. Hopefully, all of God’s children will recognize and appreciate that their life, and entire being, was indeed a gift from God. Therefore, the respect for, and the protection of, all human life acknowledges this special gift from God.
Christmas and Hanukkah remind Christians and Jews to return and face “toward” God, and ask for forgiveness of our sins, and seek guidance for how we might live a better life in fulfillment of God’s desire and plan for His creation. Our focus on commercial, business, and sales opportunities can become more important than committing ourselves to living a more virtuous life, and providing for the “least of our brothers.” We can truly experience “Peace on Earth, and Goodwill toward Men” by following the lessons and examples taught and displayed by the Savior whose birth Christians are asked to remember each year on Christmas Day. Trust (faith) in God, without any fear of the future (hope) is the key to finding peace of mind, heart, and soul.
Please remember the many who are not as fortunate as we might be, and who also might need our guidance or assistance. This season is known for the many generous acts of philanthropy and giving. Remember the famous verse from the Old Testament, which states: “Let not your hand be open to receive, and clenched when it is time to give.” The prophet also said that “He gives strength to the weary, He strengthens the powerless … but those who hope in God will regain their strength … though they run, they will not grow weary, though they walk, they will never tire.”
May this Christmas, and the many other religious seasons, holidays, or holy days, be a means for you and your family to give thanks and praise by living the balance of your natural life in accord with the Creator’s design and desire for each of us. May we all experience a holy, healthy, and happy holiday season which extends throughout the year by our faithful service to God and to one another.
Rejoice! … Emmanuel! … Merry Christmas!
J.H. Campbell, Jr.
jcampbell@agbr.com
P.O. Box 261748
Baton Rouge, La. 70826-1748