What Christmas Means to Me - Janis Cox

The creche figures, made from various woods, were created by my husband.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. (John 1:14, NIV). 

As we approach this Christmas season I remember back to Dec. 31, 2003 - our first Christmas Eve service in a new small country church.

The minister that night spoke about the Incarnation - the descent from Heaven of God.

Being a new Christian I really didn't know what that meant.

That night for the first time I heard the words "Immanuel" meaning God with us or as Max Lucado says, "God with skin on".

I remember my minister explaining the meaning of Immanuel.

Immanu - With us

El - Elohim or God 

I remember he said that God came to earth in the form of a baby. God became human, one of us.

The idea that Jesus, Whom I had accepted as my Saviour, became human to live and dwell among us finally sunk in that night.

We were no longer alone on this earth as God came to be with us again just as He had been in the Garden at the very beginning. He came to walk with us, eat with us and teach us.

Christmas time is very special to me since that evening.

Christmas is not about baubles, bangles or bows.

Christmas is not about families, friends or foes. 

Christmas is not about Santa, snowmen or stockings.

Christmas is not about games, goodies, or giftings.

Christmas is God coming to earth in human form.

Christmas is about God's love for us.

Christmas is about God wanting a relationship with us.

Christmas is about hope, peace, joy and love.

Janis Cox 2013

The Advent Season is upon us. How are you remembering what Christmas is all about?

That special evening years ago my minister put humanity into the Incarnation for me. Jesus became more real and continues to lead me every day.

On Sunday in our church in Arizona, we sang Song of Hope (Heaven Come Down) by Robbie Seay Band.

Enjoy the HOPE that comes from the first week of Advent.

Tweetables:

Jesus, Whom I had accepted as my Saviour, became human to live and dwell among us. 

Christmas is not about games, goodies, or giftings. Christmas is God coming to earth in human form.

Janis Cox

Janis, a retired school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog called Family and Faith Matters.

Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.