Understand The Times, International

"Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a 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, goodwill toward men!"

Comment:

This portion of the Bible is often read each Christmas season to remind congregations of the birth of Jesus Christ. While the world often celebrates what is most commonly called the �holiday season,� the world is oblivious to the true meaning of Christmas. For a Christian, Christmas is all about the birth of the Savior. However, even for Christians, sometimes the season and all the celebrations that are associated with the season can take the focus off the true meaning.

Application:

It is important to take the time and contemplate the true meaning of Christmas. Think about this! The Creator of the universe humbled Himself to be born as a human in a lowly manger to present himself as the sacrificial plan for salvation for the sins of mankind. No event like this had ever happened before nor will it ever happen again. Christmas should be a time to remind ourselves of the most important gift that has ever been given. Remember, a gift is only a gift if it is received by the one who the gift has been given. This is what is known by the term salvation. Have you received the gift?