The Christmas story is a wonderful story. The birth of Jesus, the wise men, the shepherds, the manger, and all the other events of Christmas are glorious.
However, the Christmas season is not just a seasonal holiday. It is the commemoration of the birth of our Lord Jesus.
Most Christians and theologians agree that Jesus was not born on the 25th of December. However, it is the day that we set aside once a year to publicly acknowledge to the world that Jesus Christ was born.
The date is not important. The event is. The date is only a 24-hour time period, but the event changed the world and the universe for all eternity.
The birth of Jesus was the beginning of the earthly manifestation of God’s plan to reconcile man back to Himself. Several years after the resurrection of Jesus, Paul, in his letter to the Romans, talked about how those who believed in Jesus were reconciled to God through the death of Jesus.
Actually, the birth of Jesus is not just the Christmas story. But the birth of Jesus is the beginning of the salvation story and all of the story should be told all of the time.
Several years ago I was talking to a fellow minister about some of the miraculous things that took place at the birth of Jesus. We got very excited in our conversation. Then he looked at me and said, “I can hardly wait until Christmas so I can teach this at church.”
His statement struck a nerve inside of me. And that day I realized that too many ministers and Christians only talk about the birth of Jesus one Sunday per year.
The Christmas story is a wonderful story, but Jesus should never be reduced to a holiday icon. He is the Savior of the world who was born of a virgin, fathered by the Spirit of God, ministered on the earth, and laid down His life as the once and for all sacrifice.
And He did all this as He pressed toward the goal of fulfilling the Father’s plan!
This year as we celebrate Christmas, let’s keep the knowledge, understanding, and spirit of Christmas fresh every day throughout the year.
For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life (Rom. 5:10).
Merry Christmas!
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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.