And, Christmas time is here again! Which means the Christmas decorations have been rummaged through and placed in noteworthy positions in the home, parties penciled in on the calendar, and Christmas vacations arranged. Yet, I find peace and joy not in the activity of the season but in the stillness of positioning myself in a certain way. It’s my practice to delve into one of my Christmas books along with Bible passages, especially from Matthew and Luke, that remind me why a celebration is in order. 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. In chapter one, he writes of Jesus’ family tree. Of course, where else do you begin but with the first man, Adam.

            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

I’m thankful I climbed into that tree as a young girl and my name was written in The Lamb’s Book of Life!

So why do I celebrate this month? Because the helpless babe in a manger 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!