The Christmas season is one of the most celebrated times of the year. Immediately after Thanksgiving, the commercialism of Christmas is advertised. Jesus is the real meaning of Christmas and he is the reason for the season. This is a time when we celebrate Christ our Savior’s birth.
Whether we receive gifts or give gifts this season, let us receive God’s best gift — his son Immanuel, which means “God is with us.” Jesus brings joy and peace to all men, and we should share this gift with as many people as we can. Everyone can use encouragement, so smile today and wish someone a merry Christmas. In tough times like these — especially with the economy in less-than-perfect shape — it is good to know that we are not alone.
God said in Hebrews 13.5b “Never will I leave you nor will I forsake you.”
Take advantage of this time to celebrate with friends and family be grateful for the many things we often take for granted, such as life, health, strength and having a mind that we can think and function with.
It’s very important for us to remember what Matthew 1:23 says: “Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel.”
God is with us today, this season, every day and throughout the year. Believe it or not, Christ was born for you and me and we have the best gift — Jesus. God had us in mind when John 3:17 was written. It says, “For God sent the son into the world, not to condemn the world but that the world through him might be saved.”
So in celebrating Jesus’ birthday, let us remember that because he lives, we also can live. If we are not saved, we can be saved. Matthew 1:21 says, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins.”
This holiday season, we don’t have to go out and get in a lot of debt. Let’s trust God to meet our needs. We can be comforted by the word of God written by Apostle Paul in Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Many folks get stressed out this time of year with shopping, entertaining, cooking and traveling, but we don’t have to be stressed, for God is with us and he cares for us.
God shows his love for us in 1 Peter 5:7 (AMP) when he instructs by saying, “Casting the whole care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.”
As we celebrate Jesus this season and every day, let’s be thankful unto him, show him honor, praise and glory for being with us.

Williams is the pastor of Rhema Christian Fellowship Church of God in Christ in Hinesville and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.