The Essence of Christmas - Pastor Ituah Ighodalo

This again is Christmas time. A time to thank God for the benefit and privilege of this wonderful season. Christmas is usually a time of joy, happiness, generosity and the exchange of gifts because it is the time when we remember that the Lord God Almighty gave the greatest gift of all to the world. The Bible says that we love him because He first loved us. Xmas is also a season to love and to show love to your neighbours, friends and family.

The truth of the matter is that we do not really know precisely when Jesus was born, as a matter of fact, it might not have been at this particular time if we are to follow the times and seasons, but quite frankly, this does not really matter, what is important is that He came into the world to teach us a few things.

Christmas therefore tells us that there are many lessons to be learnt from the birth of Jesus. What are these lessons?

1. God in his infinite mercy and wisdom decided to create us. He gave us an opportunity to live with Him for ever. This is not something that should be taken for granted.
2. He provided for us. The Bible tells us that even before we were created, all that we needed has been made available for us and even more than enough.
3. We learn also that even after the fall, God also in His infinite mercy gave us a second chance.
4. God has made it possible for us to achieve what would otherwise have been impossible. He has made it possible for us to be healed. He has made it possible for us to be empowered. He has made it possible for us to be delivered. He has made it possible for us to be who He wants us to be. 
5. Perhaps the most important lesson of the Cross is that God came down to earth as man to die for our sins and through His death He gave us life. At this season the issue is that without the Cross, there would have been no Christmas. There just would have been no need for a Christmas.

In celebrating Christmas, a lot of us with the festivities forget that the real influence of Christmas is the deep lessons of the Cross. We are celebrating the Christ of the Cross who Himself is the greatest lesson of all. As you eat, drink and celebrate this Christmas, please love our Lord in return. Remember that without the Cross, there would be no Christ. What you need to focus on are the lessons of Christ hanging on that Cross. May you have a wonderful season that will bring you specific good tidings in Jesus name.