Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-15
by: Angie Osborn.
Ironically, as I write this, it is December 17, 2006—only a few days before Christmas. For the last few years, I have been more and more saddened and even appalled by the focus that is put on Christmas. Advertisements are all about buying just the right gift for everyone on your list. The stores start their promotions shortly after the “back to school” sales. Materialism is everywhere!
As I read this passage, it struck me that our celebration is about the one and only perfect gift. It cannot be bought with money and cannot be given by another. Each of us must willingly accept the gift of Christ and his death for our sins. At Christmas time, we celebrate the fulfillment of prophesy—the Messiah has come! We have a way to be made right with God through Jesus. That is the perfect gift and the reason we celebrate this season! God is with us!