The Joy of Christmas in a Christian Home

Today's Bible Verse

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
(Luke 02: 13, 14)

Hope your Christmas tree is there in the corner, the cakes are baked, the sweets have been placed on the trays, gifts given and received, all the busy work at church, the events, the carol services, the carolers visiting the house, the sharing of Christmas parcels with neighbours, friends and colleagues are all done, and here you are, looking forward to celebrating Christmas - the birth of Christ Jesus in this world. 

Christmas has become a celebration that any home that has set up a Christmas tree, decorated the surroundings with lights, placed a little manger and worn a Santa hat could celebrate with the brightest spirit of this season. But does it make a difference to celebrate Christmas in a Christian home? How can a Christian home find the real joy and the true meaning of Christmas amid all the festivities and celebrations that come up? How can the birth of Christ Jesus be more prominent in your celebration than the worldly idea of celebrating the season of winter or monsoon rains? How can a Christian home receive the blessings of Christmas in this season? I find two great answers in the events recorded in the Bible about the birth of Christ Jesus our Lord. Praising and Sharing!

If we could remind ourselves about the events that took place when Christ Jesus was born, we could remember the verses from the Bible that say, "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests" (Luke 02: 08-14). The passage we have just read above reminds us of two important actions that happened on that spectacular night. The angels praised God our Heavenly Father. The angels shared the good news of Christ's birth with the shepherds.

Let every Christian home praise during Christmas.

As an important day of Christmas and a week of continued celebrations nears us, I want to encourage every Christian family in every Christian home to truly celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus. It would be really wonderful if you could gather as a family near the Christmas tree every day in the days to follow between Christmas and New Year and sing praises to the Lord our God. I encourage you to spend time worshipping and singing, thanking the Lord for the gift of His Son to this world. And, as these days also bring an end to this whole year, these could be days when we praise and thank God for His faithfulness throughout the year. If you are alone at your home, or if you are the only one who is a believer in your family, make time to sit near the Christmas tree and spend time singing and praising the Lord. It would be a great moment for everyone in your family to see the real meaning of the celebrations of this season. 

Let every Christian home share during Christmas.

Also, I encourage you to share. I know that you all must be tired of sharing sweets, gifts and wishes. But also take time to share the good news of Christ Jesus and the love that you have found in Him. The world needs love, and the people around us especially. There are problems of disasters, wars, poverty, addictions, loneliness, loss, hurt, disappointments, failures, financial burdens and many more among our own friends, relatives and colleagues. You could invite them, show some love towards them, share a meal, share your love, show them you care for them, show them you are there to support them. These would be the best way to show them the love of God and the very purpose for which Christ Jesus came to this world. Let us share the love of Christ Jesus that we have received from Him. 

Let these days of Christmas bring real joy and meaning into our homes. Let there be praising and let there be sharing in every Christian home, especially as the house is filled with Christmas vibes. Let every member of the family once again rethink and contemplate the birth of Christ Jesus and the magnitude of impact it has made in our life of faith. And then, let us all take time to share the love of Christ by sharing the love we have received from the Lord. 

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us, now and forever more. Amen.

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life our redemption to win,

And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

  Let the earth hear His voice;

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,

  Let the people rejoice;

Oh, come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,

  And give Him the glory; great things He hath done.

May God bless you.

Yours in Christ,

Ebenezer Veerasingam

My wife Charolin Tharshini and I 

wish you and your family 

a Blessed and Happy Christmas.

🎶

Christmas Medley

by

AENON CHOIR