Come And Celebrate

Tuesday, December 26, 2017
Listen to this devotional:
Listen while you read: "A Little Child The Saviour Came"1 (Lyrics)

Luke 2:11-12 – For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger. (ESV)

It's the day after Christmas, and I am quietly sitting here looking at all the gifts that I received from friends and loved ones. While I really appreciate their thoughtfulness, I also know that I didn't need any of them. Some did send charitable donations to different agencies in my name, and I'm sure that their money would help someone in need, so I need not feel too guilty about the gifts that I did receive.

My thoughts drifted to the topic of gifts, and I immediately began to think of all the gifts that God has given to me — the greatest of all being His Son whose birthday people celebrate at Christmas — at least some people celebrated it. Others were totally taken up in the partying aspect, never giving a thought to the real meaning of Christmas. How sad that they have missed out on the greatest Gift ever given to mankind.

Looking at the small stable scene that I had placed on my coffee table, depicting the figures of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, I thank God that one Christmas Day many years ago, He invited me to come and worship with the shepherds and the wise men, to come and celebrate the birth of the newborn Baby called Jesus. I remember wondering, What could I give Him for a birthday gift when He already owns everything as God and King of the universe?

The answer came clearly as I pondered that question. I would give Him my heart. In return, He gave me the most precious gift of salvation and eternal life.

Perhaps, that is why so many people do not want to celebrate His birth: they are not prepared to give the only gift that our Lord desires. For them it's much more fun to go to a party and eat and drink and enjoy Santa Claus's gifts. This is their idea of Christmas. Giving their hearts to Jesus never enters their minds.

As I tried to talk to a friend of mine about the real meaning of Christmas just a few days ago, as she was scurrying around looking for last-minute gifts, she laughed and said, "What will you do if, when you reach the end of your life, you discover that all of this Jesus business you talk about is not true? Look at all the fun you will have missed."

My reply left her looking rather stunned, when I asked, "What will you do when you discover that it is true? Then you will realize what you will be missing."

Perhaps we should be asking this question more frequently! And perhaps we should be prepared to tell people that Jesus is the only truth that matters, even though they might consider us to be fanatics.

I leave you with one question: Are we sharing that vital truth with our friends and neighbours who may not know Him as Saviour?

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help each one of us as Your children always to be ready to share the gospel whenever You open the door and offer us the privilege. We do not need to be afraid that we won't know what to say, for the Scripture clearly tells us that in that time, we will be given the words by the Holy Spirit. In this season, we have the wonderful opportunity of sharing what Christmas means to us. Help us through the power of Your Holy Spirit to share the greatest gift that You have ever given. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Y. Greer <sygreer11@gmail.com>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada

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1 Comment

  • PresbyCan Feedback says:

    Good one Sharon!


    Wonderful message, Sharon.


    Sharon, Amen and Amen. Blessings.


    I wish everyone in Church would realize this truth. We need to spread the good news.


    Thank you for your great message and I love your reply to your friend.
    Wishing you and your family a prosperous New Year … prosperity a continual flow of God’s Blessings.


    Thank you, Sharon, for your encouraging devotion. As we go into 2018, may God help us to be faithful and in so doing may others see Jesus and come to know Him as Saviour and Lord and know the abundant life!


    Dear Sharon,
    I loved what you wrote today. So timely, and true, that we should all be sharing the Gospel message every chance. And what a zinger comeback to your friend!
    Every best wish at this Christmas tide.


    In the years before my sister died, she was not convinced about an afterlife. When younger she had been involved with the church and I do think she was a believer in her own way.
    After she died I experienced an overwhelming feeling of joy, for no apparent reason. To this day I believe that was my sister, waking up on the other side and discovering that there really was, eternal life. Thanks for sharing.


    Hi Sharon,
    Read your devotional this morning before going to the local Nursing Home for our annual Christmas time service. My wife and I and a lady pianist from the church have done that for many years.
    This morning we talked about the wisemen bringing their gifts and what a Gift they received when they saw the baby Jesus.
    Thank you for writing.


    Dear Sharyn,
    Thank you for the thoughtful devotional. I’m glad you spoke to the lady in a way that hopefully helped her to think of the truth of Christmas.
    You remind me of the children’s hymn, “What can I give him” (by Christina Georgina Rossetti) “Yet what can I give him? I give my heart.”
    You and I give our hearts to tell the Good News of Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection, and salvation of all who believe.
    I pray that if it is God’s will you will have opportunity to tell the lady about Jesus, the details of whose birth were prophesied and came true in Bethlehem and vicinity.
    Keep writing.


    Thank you, Sharon for such a challenging devotional.
    Keep writing!
    Have a blessed new year!


    Merry Christmas Sharon
    Your writing this time was not your usual. I always knew when you were the author because of your analogies with nature.
    This time you wrote with a more internal intensity. I identified with your sentiment… You got gifts that you really didn’t need. I know that feeling.
    Isn’t it the truth we have everything needed materialistically but spiritually we are totally missing the point.
    When you say your friend is running around shopping and challenged your faith in our Lord, I’m reminded once again that she is espousing the views of the majority now. Very sad indeed.
    However. I literally felt a sharp pain when I read her comment to you. I was puzzled at first but then on further reflection I realized that the pain was for you.
    A friend doesn’t mock. Her comments sound resentful and angry.
    I can’t say anymore than that was my response.
    Thank you for your reflections.


    Great message Sharon and a perfect response to your friend. Thanks for sharing your experience. Peace and Blessings.


    So well expressed Sharon, thank you.

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