Christ

Christ.

“In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  
(This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)  
And everyone went to his own town to register. 
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  
He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  
While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.... 
Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: 
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. 
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.” 
                                                        Luke 2:1-7, 28-32
Christmas is God reaching down to man to say “I love you.”
Christmas is about Love and Peace.
Today around the world there is tremendous suffering. The twentieth century was considered the bloodiest century in the history of man, and the twenty-first seems to be continuing the bloodshed.
Mankind it seems can’t get it’s act together. By the time you have finished reading this hundreds of people will have died from violence somewhere in the world.
The dictators, terrorist and evil men our day of our world are not new. They like Hannibal, Caesar, Alexander the great, Napoleon and Hitler all think they can impose their will on people by force.
Nothing could be further from the truth. No dictator has ever ruled over more than a few hundred million ever. Most don’t rule over more than a handful of people.
Yet Jesus, who never wrote a book, never ventured far from his place of birth, who spoke of peace and love. Who came to reconcile man to God has a following today that spans over two billion people about a third of the worlds population, and the number of his followers continues to grow.
This man who’s teachings of love for one’s neighbours, and even one’s enemies seems to scare dictators and terrorist alike.
Today one Christian dies every four to seven minutes. Why? Because they are presenting the Love of God?
Jesus never spoke against the civil secular society of Rome. He never carried a weapon or once claimed that his kingdom was of this world.
It was Jesus who said,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’  
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,  
that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”  
                                                               Matthew 5:43-45.
When asked,
 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’  
This is the first and greatest commandment.  
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’  
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” 
                                                                                      Matthew 22:37-40.
Yet dictators and terrorist the world over fear his teachings. If they didn’t why would they restrict Christianity or continue to murder Christians.
Here in North America Atheist while they don’t attack Christians. They demand that Christian symbols and sayings be taken out of public buildings.
Does the ten commandments, or words of love really offend them that much?
Here in North America thankfully we don’t have to contend with violence just a clash of rights. My rights, your rights.
How sad that we have to be offended by where words or symbols of love come from. And I say that to both Christians and non-Christians, because Christians here in the United States and Canad can be just as demanding about their rights as non-Christians are.
Anne Frank a Jewish girl who lived in hiding until she was caught and died in a Nazi death camp said,
“Give of yourself, give as much as you can?  And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!  If everyone were to do this and not be as mean with a kindly word, then there would be much more justice and love in the world.  Give and you shall receive, much more than you would have ever thought possible.  Give, give again and again, don’t lose courage, keep it up and go on giving!  No one has ever become poor from giving!”                                                                                                                                                 Anne Frank
If we to follow these words of advice and give of our selves instead of demanding our rights. Life would be so much better.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone...”
                                                                                                                Romans 12:18
This is a truth both Christians and non-Christians I think can agree on.
Think about it.