December 25, 2013
The Greatest Gift of All
The Nativity of Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Christmas
How did that happen? Why is it so celebrated?
Because it marks the day that the greatest gift that could ever be was given to all of mankind.
Luke 2:1-14
- And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
- (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
- And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
- And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
- To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
- And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
- And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
- And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
- And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
- And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
- For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
- And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
- And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
- Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men
That is nice, but why was it such a gift?
John 3:16-17
16. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Remember, it doesn’t matter how you say it:
1. Arabic – I’d Miilad said oua sana saida
2. Chinese – (Mandarin) Kung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan
3 Croatian – Sretan Bozic
4. Danish – Glædelig Jul
5. Dutch – Vrolijk Kerstfeest
6. Filipino – Maligayang Pasko
7. Finnish – Hyvaa joulua
8. French – Joyeux Noël
9. German – Fröhliche Weihnachten
10. Greek: Kala Christouyenna!
11. Indonesian – Selamat Hari Natal
12. Irish – Nollaig Shona Dhuit
13. Italian – Buon Natale!
14. Japanese – Shinnen omedeto. Kurisumasu Omedeto
15. Korean – Sung Tan Chuk Ha
16. Latin – Natale hilare et Annum Faustum!
17. Maltese: IL-Milied It-tajjeb
18. Portuguese – Feliz Natal!
19. Russian – Pozdravlyenie s Rozjdyestvom i s Novym Godom!
20. Swedish – God Jul
21. Samoan: La Maunia Le Kilisimasi Ma Le Tausaga Fou
22. Spanish – Feliz Navidad
23. Urdu – Naya Saal Mubarak Ho
24. Vietnamese – Chuc Mung Giang Sinh
25. Welsh – Nadolig Llawen*
26. English- Merry Christmas, Noel, Happy Jesus’ Birthday, Or even** Merry Xmas.
When we say Merry Christmas, we are acknowledging the greatest gift ever given. Please read my “Read Me” page for information on what it means when we truly accept this gift, and for information on how to accept it. Here is a link to the page.
I hope that, especially in this season,
you know the peace, love, joy, and hope that comes from
accepting the greatest gift ever given to or by man.
May you have the merriest of Christmases
and a truly joyous new year!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
[*] http://hubpages.com/hub/say-merry-christmas-in-different–languages
[**]The “X” in X’mas is the Greek letter chi (x) and is an actual Greek initial for Christos which is Christ in English.
©Original content Copyright 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Lisa Ritchey and Bare Bones Gospel
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