DETROIT, MI – It’s here, it’s here, the greatest time of the year. As I have traveled from the sandy beaches of Miami to the snowy frozen lakes of Michigan Christmas time is the celebrated the same everywhere. We start thinking about this season on January 2 of each year. As the ole song goes: "City sidewalks, busy sidewalks. Dressed in holiday style. In the air, there is a feeling of Christmas. Children laughing, people passing. Meeting smile after smile. And on every street corner you hear. Silver bells, (silver bells) silver bells (silver bells)!"
I believe that Christmas is truly a time to celebrate. It should be a season of Thanksgiving and High praise. As a Christian, I see that we many times forget the true reason for the season. I get chills every time I read Prophet Isaiah say in Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: "and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace”. Yes, we are celebrating the World’s all-time greatest Gift; Jesus Christ, provided to us by the world greatest giver Our Father God. And he gave us a gift not because we deserved it but John 3:16 says “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. Our God wanted to spend eternity with us. I am truly excited that I, a young man from Miami gets to live with this perfect gift.
The thought “I want to be just like my daddy” comes to mind. That is why I believe this is the season of giving. We can give Our Father and Lord Jesus the gift of praise and thanksgiving. Psalm 100 says “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name." Do not let the day we call “thanksgiving” be the only day you give the great gift of thankfulness and praise. It should signify the start of the season. Praise God this season come on, people let the world hear you. Shout it from the mountaintop that Jesus is the Lord and Savior. On our Church sign at Temple of Faith it will read “It’s Jesus Birthday, and we are having a party.”
The perfect gift to others is to give “Love” in Christmas season; Love is a gift worth giving. The world needs the Love of Jesus Christ. How do we give the Love that is life altering and life renewing? First, we can support Lottie Moon Christmas offering that will fund the missionaries that are out spreading God’s love and sharing Gospel around the world. Secondly, let us support our local Pastors and wives that are at the crossroads. Invite them to dinner and share your listening ear. Finally, let us give the world one of our most powerful resources our healing power of prayer. James 5:16 says "therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." This Christmas find a family member, missionary, enemy, a friend and tell them “You pray for me, I’ll pray for you. Watch God change things.
The perfect gift for us and large enough to share with others is Jesus Christ. So let us celebrate today and make this the Merriest Christmas yet.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rev. David Cox, Sr. serves as Youth Pastor and Director of Stewardship at Temple of Faith Baptist Church in Detroit, MI. He is also a Trustee for Michigan on the GuideStone Financial Resources board. He serves as Treasurer for the Greater Detroit Baptist Association, Secretary for the Michigan African American Fellowship, and President of Education U-4 Life, CDC. David is married to Tiffany, his wife of 21 years. They have 3 children, Nya, David Jr. and Kelli.