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As I drive around Bainbridge and other cities this time of year, I notice the beautiful Christmas decorations. Also, singing and hearing Christmas carols gives a feeling of excitement and joy during this time of year. This is a special time of year that we all can reflect on the love of God and his son Jesus. I can always remember when I was a youngster growing up in south Florida, Christmas was the most exciting time of year for me and my family.
In the early centuries, Christians were much more likely to celebrate the person’s death than the person’s birthday. Very early in history, the church had an annual observance of the death of Christ and also honored many of the early martyrs of the day of their death. In the early part of the fourth century, Christians in Rome began to celebrate the birth of Christ. The practice spread early and rapidly. The Gospel of Matthew tells about the prepared birth and death of Jesus, and to prove Jesus is the Messiah, the Eternal King, also our Savior. Matthew was a Jewish tax collector who became one of Jesus’ disciples. The Bible also tells us that the Jews had waited a long time for a leader. They believed that this leader, (anointed one) would rescue them from their Roman oppressors and establish a new kingdom.
Matthew begins by giving the genealogy of Jesus Christ. He tells of Jesus birth and early years, including the family’s escape to Egypt from murderous Herod and their return to Nazareth. Jesus was born of a virgin. He was human, but because he was the Son of God, he was born without sin. Joseph, a carpenter, was promised to be married to Jesus’ mother, Mary, a poor virgin girl. God always holds the master plan to all of our lives.
As we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we need to remember that Jesus is the perfect gift that God gave to all of us. Giving gifts at Christmas is fine, but no better gift can be given than Jesus. We only need to accept Jesus into our heart and live for him. He will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. As we go through out these holidays, and the New Year, always be reminded the sacrifice Jesus made for us. He was and still is our Lord and Savior. Surely, this should be a time of great celebration!
Rev. Adren Bivins, Sr.
Member of Emanuel M. B. Church
Founder of the Laymen Brotherhood Second Chance Outreach Ministry, Inc.
A Nonprofit Organization
P. O. Box 7939
Bainbridge, GA 39818
229-254-7606
www.thelaymenbrotherhood.com