Who doesn’t love a Christmas tree loaded with lights or a frosted peppermint coffee from Chick-fil-A? Celebrations of the season abound! But we can easily become lost in the busyness of our calendar and miss what really matters. So, I make it my aim to experience the peace and joy of the season, not in the activity as much as the stillness by positioning myself in a certain way. Delving into one of my Christmas books along with Scripture passages, especially from Matthew and Luke, remind me why a celebration is in order. So why is a celebration in order? I’m glad you asked. I love sharing what God brings to my attention, and you will love this too!

Our pastor, Stephen Davey, wrote a book entitled, THE Original CHRISTMAS CAROL. It has become one of my favorites. In chapter one, he gives us the lineup of Jesus’ family tree. He explains what it means to be part of Adam’s family tree.

            The book of Adam is a book of obituaries. Genesis 5 is a long funeral march. Over and over again, you read, “and he died . . . and he died . . . and he died.” The book of Jesus is a book of life. Paul refers to believers having their names in the “book of life” (Philippians 4:3), and John the apostle similarly refers to the Lamb’s “book of life” (Revelation 13:8).   Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25).   The genealogy of Jesus is a genealogy you can join; it’s a family tree you can climb into, by faith in the Messiah, Jesus. (pages 12 & 13, The Original Christmas Carol, Stephen Davey)

I’m thankful I climbed into that tree as a young girl and my name was written in The Lamb’s Book of Life! There is truly no better gift that you can ever receive than the “gift of life.”

I want everyone to know about the greatest gift that came down to earth: the helpless babe in a manger who grew to be a man, my Messiah, taking on my sin and shame at the cross and dying a death He didn’t deserve so that I can live forever in heaven!

Are you destined for eternal LIFE or eternal DEATH? This Christmas season make certain you have climbed into Jesus’ family tree and CELEBRATE!