Have you accepted the gift of salvation?

And just like that, we find ourselves throwing out the turkey bones and hanging up the holly. The hustle and bustle of the season is often a complaint by many as the year ends. For many holiday parties, presents, and family take center stage during the Christmas season.

I want to encourage each of you to take the time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Santa, get-togethers with family and friends, parties and other traditions are not bad, but they are not the reason for Christmas. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. While most know that fact, many have not and do not take the time to reflect on what that actually means.

In the book of Isaiah 9 we read, “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;

And the government will [h]rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore.

The zeal of the Lord of armies will accomplish this.” Just as the prophet Isaiah writes, the world at that time was in darkness and out of that darkness Jesus Christ was born. His birth marked the beginning of hope for all of humanity. The restoration of God and man was going to be accomplished by this miraculous birth.

Even in the description of Jesus Christ we see the image of something magnificent. He shall be called Wonderful Counselor. A counselor that is more than just a good psychologist but one who knows everything and is beyond earthly bounds and is there for each of God’s creation. Mighty God, he is not weak in fact he is omnipotent, all powerful, not limited by anything.

He is there for each of us in our own weakness. Eternal Father, regardless of what your relationship with your earthly father was, Jesus was and is the definition of perfection as the father. Not a temporary position but unlimited even by death itself. Lastly, Isaiah calls him the Prince of Peace. In our chaos and our turmoil, Jesus Christ is there to bring peace. This peace is beyond comprehension and available no matter what is going on in your life.

All these words describe Jesus Christ, and the gift that he has brought is salvation. No one deserves the gift of salvation, but Jesus freely gave it for us to receive. We must make the choice to do that. As you are reading this, have you accepted this gift of salvation. Just like receiving a gift on Christmas, simply open it and it is yours.

Pray and talk to Jesus and ask him to forgive your sins and take his place as Lord of your life. For those that have received Jesus Christ as your savior. Take the time to reflect on the 4 names that Isaiah wrote about Jesus. Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace. Do not rush this season but let the light of Jesus Christ show you how to celebrate it well.