The Charles Dickens novel, A Christmas Carol, begins with the words, βMarley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that.β According to the Bible, apart from Christ, mankind is βdead in trespasses and sinsβ to begin with. There is no doubt about that. We need the forgiveness of sins and the eternal life that only God can give in order to be sure of our future in Heaven.
CHRISTMAS PAST
As we consider Christmas pastβ¦the child-like excitement, the spirit of giving, enjoyable times spent with family and friendsβ¦we should also remember the reason for this season, which is the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth is significant above all others because His birth was prophesied 700 years before it took place, a Bible prophecy that tells us that Jesus Christ is βEmmanuelβ (God with us).
The Bible also tells us why He came to the world: βChrist Jesus came into the world to save sinnersβ¦to be sin for us, Who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him.β
So when we look at Christmas past, we need to look at Christ, the eternal Son of God.
CHRISTMAS PRESENT
Christmas is celebrated with lights, and we remember the coming of the Light of the world to deliver us from the darkness of sin and death and to give us the light of life.
As we celebrate Christmas today, we give and receive gifts, but we should do so remembering that Christ is the perfect Gift, Who willingly gave Himself to die for us so we can have this eternal life.
Have you accepted Godβs gift of salvation? All that is required to have eternal life in Heaven is faith in what Christ did for us: βthat Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third dayβ.
CHRISTMAS FUTURE
Christmas is about hope, peace, and joy. The future is bright and full of hope, peace, and joy for those who have trusted Christ as their Savior. Where once our status was to βcome short of the glory of God,β we now βrejoice in hope of the glory of Godβ.
Christmas is a time for being with family and loved ones. Our future will be spent with the family of God, and the One βWho loved me, and gave Himself for meβ. For eternity, we who have believed the gospel have a safe home in Heaven and a dwelling in the presence of our Savior.
If youβve trusted Christ as your Savior, then you can say with all believers, βGod has blessed us, every one!β