You may be someone who does not believe in the Truth of Christ, but celebrate Christmas as a time for families, laughter, and love. This is a wonderful time for peace on earth, family traditions, joy, and togetherness. You may also find yourself in a "Holiday Slump" during this season, because you may have lost a loved one, are away from family and friends, or nostalgic for the days when Christmas felt a little more cheerful. Whatever the case may be, I urge you all to remember the reason why this Holiday exists. His birth is the true reason why we are able to celebrate at all; He is the reason why we will live eternally.
Adam and I recently watched a History 2 show on "The Universe," and like many who watch shows about the infinite universe, my mind began to think of my own mortality. After watching my Grandpa slip away into an eternal sleep a few short months ago, the image of him in pain still haunts my dreams. I find myself reminiscing through our wedding photos to allow respite from the images which have been engrained in my mind. Death is not something I have ever felt at peace with, and I suppose it is because the unknown scares the shit out of me. The one truth that calms my soul is that I have solid faith that God is the ultimate creator of our Universe, and that Jesus Christ is who He claimed to be. This brings me back to the fact that I need not worry. "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Luke 2:10-14
So this baby named Jesus grows up, performs miracles, is murdered for claiming to be God, and then raises from the dead??? Well as sure as I am that Dolly Parton has fake boobies, I know this to be true.
After all, many people were gruesomely murdered for preaching the Gospel of Jesus after he rose from death. Any one of them could have lived if they decided to denounce their faith in Jesus, however they chose not to. WHY?? The simple answer is because these people did not die for a lie - these people must have seen something that made them choose their cruel death over denouncing their faith.
Here are just a few that were murdered...did they die for a lie? Would you?
1. Andrew - crucified
2. Bartholomew - beaten then crucified
3. James, son of Alphaeus - stoned to death
4. James, son of Zebedee - beheaded
5. John - exiled for his faith; died of old age
6. Judas (not Iscariot) - stoned to death
7. Matthew - speared to death
8. Peter - crucifed upside down
9. Philip - crucified
10. Simon - crucified
11. Thomas - speared to death
12. Matthias - stoned to death
(source: Fox's Book of Martyrs
Here is something else to nibble on...READY???
Good old James...brother of Jesus.
James, who was Jesus' half brother was notorious for denouncing Jesus' validity up until the day he was murdered. John 7:5 "For His brothers did not believe in Him." After Jesus rose from the dead, James preached the Gospel until the day he was beheaded. Why??? Because Jesus appeared to him after rising from the dead.
1Co 15:7 Afterward He was seen by James.... "
SO ummmm yeah about that whole I don't believe my brother thing...after seeing that his dead brother is now alive, that changes things a bit.
Paul, known previously as Saul, persecuted Christians to the death. In fact, he was dedicated to the persecution of the early disciples in the area of Jerusalem. SO WHY THE CHANGE OF HEART?
According to his own words, Jesus appeared to Him on the way to Damascus (to round up Christians - see Acts, Chapter 9) and after seeing Jesus alive after death, his life was no longer the same.
Through his missionary activity and writings he eventually transformed religious belief and philosophy in many communities. WOW... so let me get this straight...this dude devoted his life to persecute Christians, and then all of a sudden he became a missionary willing to give up his life in the name of the very man he despised??
The only explanation I believe is that Paul did see Jesus on that road to Damascus...
"Each of the 12 apostles left families and careers, often traveling alone to distant countries, declaring that Jesus died and came back to life. For proclaiming Jesus' resurrection, they were beaten, imprisoned, and many killed in torturous ways.
Did they have any basis for declaring this? Yes. It is undisputed that after the crucifixion of Jesus, the tomb was empty three days later, just as Jesus predicted. The controversy focuses on what became of Jesus' body? Some say that Jesus' disciples stole his body and concocted a story that he rose from the dead. However, if the disciples made it all up, each of them allowed himself to be executed -- for what they knew to be a lie. It doesn't make sense. Would you die for something you knew was a lie?
What does make sense are the historical facts. Jesus had been humiliated, beaten, whipped, nailed to a cross, where he died on display before the public. A spear was thrust into his side just to make sure he was dead. He was buried in a stone tomb, with Roman soldiers to guard the tomb, assigned by the religious establishment who feared an attempt to steal the body. But on the third day, the guards had fled, the tomb was open, and the only remaining evidence were the burial clothes inside the tomb, laying there empty.
Starting that day, the disciples said they saw Jesus physically alive multiple times. So had hundreds of others. They had lengthy conversations with him and ate with him -- all after witnessing his death by beating, crucifixion and spearing. When ordered not to speak about Jesus' resurrection, they responded, "We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard!"
These disciples risked their lives to speak out about what they had no doubts about -- that Jesus had risen from the dead, proving that he was everything he claimed to be...the Son of God" (http://www.everystudent.com/wires/apostles.html)
So while you are celebrating your CHRISTmas traditions this year, remember to include the guy who loves you more than any kind of fathomable love. This in fact is the true meaning of Christmas. <3
Merry Christmas and I wish for you Peace, Love, Joy, Laughter, and Good Health for many years to come.
<3 Love, Ashley
