Regardless of what the modern news media may tell you, Christmas is about Jesus. Of course it is the season of love and joy. Of course it is the season of giving. But all of the love, all of the joy, and all of the giving is because of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Without Jesus there would be no Christmas season. Let me explain.
It may come as a shock to some people, but before Jesus was born there was no Christmas. It is a known fact that the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago is the date the Julian and Gregorian calendars use as the anchor for all dates. For example, the United States was founded in the year 1776 AD (Anno Domini) or “1776 in the Year of Our Lord.” The birth of Jesus is the basis for the AD system of dating.
However, the value and purpose of Christmas is much deeper than just a dating system of time. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of a new phase of God’s plan for mankind. It has been said that when Jesus came to earth, it was the greatest chapter in the story of the glory. Here is what that means.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1). He created man in His own image and likeness and placed him in a garden east of Eden (v. 26; Genesis 2:15). Man was covered with the glory of God.
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Regardless of what the modern news media may tell you, Christmas is about Jesus. Of course it is the season of love and joy. Of course it is the season of giving. But all of the love, all of the joy, and all of the giving is because of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Without Jesus there would be no Christmas season. Let me explain.
It may come as a shock to some people, but before Jesus was born there was no Christmas. It is a known fact that the birth of Jesus 2,000 years ago is the date the Julian and Gregorian calendars use as the anchor for all dates. For example, the United States was founded in the year 1776 AD (Anno Domini) or “1776 in the Year of Our Lord.” The birth of Jesus is the basis for the AD system of dating.
However, the value and purpose of Christmas is much deeper than just a dating system of time. The birth of Jesus marks the beginning of a new phase of God’s plan for mankind. It has been said that when Jesus came to earth, it was the greatest chapter in the story of the glory. Here is what that means.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1). He created man in His own image and likeness and placed him in a garden east of Eden (v. 26; Genesis 2:15). Man was covered with the glory of God. The relationship between God and man was very intimate. God gave man authority over the garden. Like today, there were things he was to do and there were some things he was not supposed to do (Genesis 2:16-17).
Because man was disobedient, he lost the ability to fellowship with his Creator (Genesis 3). The glory of God was taken away and man realized he was naked. It looked like he was doomed to an eternal existence alone without the closeness of the presence of God (the glory) — but God had a plan.
God loved His creation so much that after 4,000 years He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to the earth in the form of a man. He was a part of the wonderful plan to break down the wall that separated man from God. Jesus lived a perfect life as a man (2 Corinthians 5:21). He was the Son of God, but He set that all aside and lived for 33 years as a sinless man. He laid down His life on the cross and became a perfect sacrifice.
After three days, Jesus came back to life. He taught His disciples for forty days and then was taken into heaven to be with His Father, God (Acts 1:1-9). And today, He is waiting to return to the earth to collect the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Everyone who believes and confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, that God raised Him from the dead, and does not deny Jesus, is a part of the Church and has eternal life. Life is always better than death.
Christmas is the celebration of a birth in Bethlehem. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of a Savior who laid down His life so we could have life. Christmas is the celebration of the Light entering the world so that we do not have to live in darkness (John 8:12).
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus. Without Jesus, there is no reason to celebrate. We show our love for Him by loving, forgiving, and giving to others. Jesus said they (non-Christians) will know we are Christians by the way we love each other (John 13:35).
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.